Community pharmacists already assess patients, diagnose conditions and prescribe medicines under arrangements set by individual state and territory governments, and the proposed national framework aims to bring greater clarity and alignment across jurisdictions.
We welcome this consultation and the approach being taken by the board as a positive step toward clear and nationally consistent settings that can support the health system into the future.
Simon Blacker
Welcome approach
PGA Vice President Simon Blacker said the PGA supported the direction being taken by the Board.
“Community pharmacists are already delivering prescribing services safely under existing rules,” he said.
“We welcome this consultation and the approach being taken by the board as a positive step toward clear and nationally consistent settings that can support the health system into the future.”
A nationally consistent approach must be fit for the future and recognise how pharmacists already practise.
Simon Blacker
The PGA has previously outlined its preferred model for pharmacist prescribing as part of the Joint Pharmacy Organisations paper, developed alongside Advanced Pharmacy Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
Under that model, the profession supports autonomous prescribing of any scheduled medicine within a pharmacist’s individual, self‑determined, documented and authorised scope of practice, based on completion of an accredited training course and delivered through appropriate collaborative relationships with patients and the broader healthcare team.
Simon said any national framework must recognise the training, skills and professional judgment pharmacists already bring to prescribing.
“Australia’s population is ageing and more people are living with chronic and ongoing health conditions,” he said.
“Meeting that demand will require structural reform that makes better use of all qualified health professionals, including pharmacists practising to the full extent of their scope.”
Community pharmacies remain the most
Accessible healthcare
accessible primary healthcare destinations, particularly for patients who struggle to secure timely appointments with a general practitioner.
“Getting the national settings right matters for patients who are struggling to access the care they need,” Simon said.
“Pharmacist prescribing, delivered under the right model, can reduce wait times, improve access to care and help ensure the health system can cope as demand continues to grow.”
The PGA also maintains appropriate safeguards can support pharmacists to both prescribe and dispense medicines safely, consistent with existing practice in many areas and with international experience.
“The proposal needs to support patients not just today, but over the long term,” Simon said.
“A nationally consistent approach must be fit for the future and recognise how pharmacists already practise safely and effectively within the healthcare system.”
The PGA will provide detailed feedback to the Pharmacy Board of Australia, focused on ensuring nationally consistent prescribing arrangements that prioritise safety, support patient outcomes and the sustainability of Australia’s healthcare system.
The Pharmacy Board of Australia’s public consultation on pharmacist prescribing is open until June 15, with pharmacists, organisations and members of the public able to view the proposal and make a submission via the board’s website.
