PHARMACISTS in Tasmania will soon be able to dispense prescriptions issued by doctors and qualified healthcare professionals on the Australian mainland.
Announced late last week by Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, the Poisons Act 1971 will be amended to improve access to medication for Tasmanian residents, with ADHD singled out as a particular issue.
Consultation on the changes to the legislation will begin soon, with the amended bill to go before State Parliament in early 2025.
Prior to that, Tasmanian GPs can apply for authority to prescribe certain medicines and have them dispensed by local pharmacists.
"We have heard feedback from those frustrated with the current regulations around interstate prescribing, and we are taking action to rectify it and ensure Tasmanians can access the medications they need.
"These positive changes will, with appropriate safeguards, mean that Tasmanians can access medicines that have been legitimately prescribed by an appropriately qualified health professional interstate," Minister Barnett said.
"The Department will also undertake a comprehensive review of the Poisons Act 1971, which will ensure we have contemporary and user-friendly legislation that continues to ensure the right balance between access and controls to high-risk prescription medicines," he added.
The news has been welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Tasmanian branch, with President Joe O'Malley saying an inquiry into how ADHD is assessed and treated, along with support services, made a strong case for the reform.
"We have been advocating for change in this area for years now, and we welcome the announcement of this common sense reform from the Tasmanian Government.
"Tasmanians who receive medical care from interstate practitioners, as well as visitors and recent arrivals who need access to medications, have been left frustrated and shaking their heads while trying to get their scripts filled," O'Malley commented.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS echoed the comments, saying the changes to the Act will have a major impact.
"PSA has a long history of advocating for harmonisation of regulations and legislation across the country," Kirschbaum said.
"We're glad to see Tasmania take action to ensure medicines are accessible and safe when and where they're needed." ML
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