THE Pharmacy Board of Australia (the Board) has reconfirmed its 2019 position statement on pharmacist prescribing, maintaining it has no regulatory barriers in place for pharmacists to participate in public health initiatives approved by states and territories.
The update was issued in light of the numerous changes to state and territory medicines and poisons legislation in the years since, which have resulted in increased public access to health services delivered by pharmacists, including administering a wider range of vaccines and supplying medications that do not require prescriptions.
The Board reiterated that it does not require pharmacists who take part in pilots, trials and health programs authorised by states and territories to complete any extra prescribing qualifications or other requirements in order to maintain their registration.
The Board said it monitored state and territory legislated pilots, trials, and health programs involving pharmacists and engaged extensively with state and territory health departments in order to form this position.
Chair Brett Simmonds (pictured) stated, "the Board is pleased to reconfirm its position statement of 2019 that pharmacists are able to participate in pilots, trials and health programs in the jurisdiction in which they practise by completing any locally required education as CPD without any additional requirements from the Board".
"Pharmacy plays a vital role in the provision of health services and pharmacists provide greater access to the public for these important health interventions.
"The Board also believes there is scope for state and territories to consider further expansions of pharmacy services to address identified areas of public need and such changes to local laws combined with a suitable clinical governance framework can ensure pharmacists can deliver additional services safely."
Simmonds concluded "the Board also maintains its view from the 2019 position statement that future proposals for broader and more complex prescribing may reach the threshold for additional regulation and any such proposal would require collaboration between governments, stakeholders, the public, the profession and the Board". JM
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