Pharmacy Daily | 5PCA agreement

Eligibility for rural programs funded under the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement (5CPA) is about to change to ensure the programs continue to strengthen and support the rural pharmacy workforce. Under the changes, only pharmacies located in PhARIA 2-6 will be eligible. Previously some regional PhARIA 1 locations were deemed eligible. PhARIA refers to the Pharmacy Access/Remoteness Index of Australia. PhARIA 1 locations are areas that are considered to have high access to community pharmacy services. Some PhARIA 1 locations were included in the rural programs because of historical workforce factors, including pharmacist shortages and lack of proximity to pharmacy schools. The changes have been made following consultation between the Guild and the Department of Health and Ageing. They recognise changes in the pharmacy landscape since the programs were first introduced more than 10 years ago. The programs that will be affected include: • Rural Pharmacy Continuing Professional Education Allowance • Rural Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme • Intern Incentive Allowance for Rural Pharmacies – formerly the Rural Pharmacists Pre-registration Incentive Allowance • Rural Pharmacy Student Placement Allowance The changes are being made to ensure alignment with the policy intent of the rural programs funded under 5CPA, and to make the best use of limited funding. Copies of the approved Program Specific Guidelines will be available on www.ruralpharmacy.com.au shortly.

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