THE Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) Professional Officers have been recently taking calls from the profession, seeking advice on declining the 60-day medicine supply.
The pharmacists believe the prescribing of a 60-day supply does not align with the PBS-restricted benefit listing.
The officers stated that the PBS information makes no reference to pharmacists "interpreting or policing the prescribing restrictions".
PDL explained that the PBS information clearly stated that it is the "prescriber's responsibility to determine if a patient is entitled to receive a restricted benefit".
Therefore, a pharmacist's considerations regarding supply should only focus on patient safety, PDL confirmed.
Pharmacists should consider factors such as the indication, prior medication history, clinical decisions made by the prescriber and the patient's understanding of the risks and benefits of the medication.
PDL advises that any discussion should focus on the pharmacist's obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the patient.
In addition, the broader financial impacts of 60-Day Dispensing are unlikely to be considered a valid reason for declining supply if a regulatory complaint is lodged.
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