Pharmacy Daily | Continued dispensing expands in Tas

THE expansion of Continued Dispensing in Tasmania was announced today, allowing pharmacists to supply regular medication to people who are yet to see their GP for a new prescription.

These changes to the current State Regulations come into effect from Mon 06 Mar, meaning a much wider range of medications will be available based on the Commonwealth's existing parameters for supply, and as determined by the pharmacist for each request.

The Guild's Tasmanian President Helen O'Byrne, pictured with the Premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff, welcomed the decision saying, "currently there is a narrow and restrictive list of medications recognised by the Commonwealth Government covered under the PBS and Tasmania's legislation, where pharmacists may supply without a prescription."

The arrangement now recognises a range of medicines including those for contraception, asthma, cholesterol, high blood pressure and HIV.

In 2021 there were an estimated 5,400 emergency department presentations in Tasmania due to medicine non-adherence and inability to obtain prescriptions from a GP, with an estimated cost to the State of around $2.3m.

"Telehealth may provide some people with access to their prescriptions, however many more people find it difficult to get a telehealth appointment with their regular GP," O'Byrne said.

"We also believe it is better for a patient to receive Continued Dispensing from their regular pharmacist with whom they have a pre-existing relationship than from a remote clinician, who has little or no knowledge of the patient's background."

"Most people have a regular pharmacy where there is a lot of prescription history available to a pharmacist to make informed decisions about medication supply requests without a prescription.

"The patient requesting has their most recent expired prescription with them which also helps to ascertain the regularity of supply."

The Guild said it recognises that patient safety is paramount.

"Pharmacists are still required to follow established guidelines and some restrictions will remain in place," O'Byrne said.

Pharmacists should note that the expanded medication list available in Tasmania will not be covered under PBS arrangements.

However, O'Byrne said many are routine medications and not excessive in their cost to patients.

"We encourage patients to ask their pharmacist for information about their out-of-pocket costs.

"We urge the Commonwealth Government to reconsider their current position on Continued Dispensing and follow Tasmania's lead to recognise the majority of items covered under the PBS and ensure equity of access for all Australians," O'Byrne concluded.