PHARMACISTS will be able to accept the NSW digital driver licence (DDL) as an appropriate form of identification for patients purchasing products containing pseudoephedrine, under new legislation passed by the NSW State Government.
The amendments to the NSW Road Transport Act 2013 give the DDL the same legal status as the plastic driver licence.
Prior to the passage of the legislation, NSW Minister for Customer Service, Victor, Dominello, told the State Legislative Assembly that the DDL would provide a COVID-safe way for pharmacists to identify patients seeking pseudoephedrine-based medications (PD 14 Oct).
"Following enactment of the bill, pharmacists selling pseudoephedrine will have the benefit of being able to confirm the identity of their customers without having to touch their licence card," he said.
"The enhanced security of the digital driver licence will provide better assurance to industries, such as pharmacies, in considering issues like fraud when they are dealing with customer transactions and purchases.
"The increased security measures that come with the digital driver licence will better protect privacy and security and also detect criminal behaviour in relation to wrongful usage of driver licences."
The passage of the legislation follows a successful trial at five pharmacies across the state in Jul (PD 18 Sep).
Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President, David Heffernan, has previously told Pharmacy Daily that the move would support pharmacists when recording patients' IDs as part of Project Stop.
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