PGA’s National President Professor Trent Twomey has described the move as a pivotal step for patients and the community pharmacy profession in Australia - with the potential to unlock consistent, safe and accessible care.
“An endorsement framework is critical to ensuring community pharmacists can deliver services to the full extent of their training, skills, knowledge and experience,” Prof Twomey said.
“We know community pharmacists are already delivering these services successfully in specific states – this enables better planning, mobility and clarity for practitioners.”
Once approved, it will set a nationally consistent framework endorsing community pharmacists to prescribe scheduled medicines.
The framework will also standardise the national qualifications for prescribing pharmacists.
With appropriate training and governance, pharmacist prescribing will mean more patients able to access convenient, local care for everyday health conditions, reducing pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
Pharmacists who have their prescribing qualification approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia will be able to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, sell, supply and (or) use scheduled medicines.
“PGA looks forward to working with the Board as part of this process,” Prof Twomey said.
“With appropriate training and governance, pharmacist prescribing will mean more patients able to access convenient, local care for everyday health conditions, reducing pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
“Ultimately it will lead to healthier communities,” he said.
The Pharmacy Board of Australia’s recommendation reflects the evolving role of pharmacists as the most accessible frontline healthcare providers and aligns with international best practice.
Evidence from Canada, the UK, and the US has demonstrated pharmacist prescribing is safe, effective, and well-received by patients.
