PHARMACY peak bodies have joined forces to recommend a model of pharmacist prescribing that prioritises patient access, safety and convenience while delivering potential savings of over $600 million annually.
In a joint open submission to the Pharmacy Board of Australia, AdPha (Advanced Pharmacy Australia), the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have proposed a framework that would allow pharmacists to prescribe medicines autonomously, within their scope of practice.
The Board announced in Sep that it had begun work to establish an endorsement for scheduled medicines for pharmacists, which when approved will support a consistent, safe and nationally coordinated approach to pharmacist prescribing (PD 18 Sep).
The model proposed by the peak bodies for endorsed pharmacist prescribing is: "autonomous prescribing where a health professional undertakes prescribing of any scheduled medicine within their individual, self-determined, documented and authorised scope of practice, based on completion of an accredited training course".
In addition, it will be "delivered in appropriate collaborative relationships with the patient and all other members of the healthcare team".
The submission, which the organisations argue should be adopted in full, would enable qualified pharmacists to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, sell, supply or use Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines after completing an approved course.
The submission recognises the importance of collaborating with governments to ensure patients can access their PBS subsidies for medicines prescribed by endorsed pharmacists, removing financial barriers and improving equity in healthcare.
"By supporting pharmacist prescribing, this unified approach enhances professional accountability while expanding access to safe, effective treatment options - especially for patients in rural, regional, and underserved communities," the peak bodies said in a joint announcement.
"AdPha, the PSA and the Guild look forward to working with the Pharmacy Board, governments and other stakeholders to progress this important reform."
PSA National President Assoc Prof Fei Sim said pharmacists are already integral to delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare across Australian communities, and a national endorsement for pharmacist prescribing is a logical and necessary progression that recognises their clinical expertise to meet evolving patient needs and system-wide demands.
"This reform will help address workforce shortages, improve access to medicines, and ensure patients receive timely care - especially in rural and regional areas," Assoc Prof Sim said.
Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey added the measure will reduce GP wait times and non-urgent visits to the emergency room, concluding "it will mean healthier Australian communities". KB
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