New agreement to take effect from 1 July 2015.
The Pharmacy Guild has just announced the formal signing of the five-year SIxth Community Pharmacy Agreement, which will run through until 30 June 2020.
Guild President George Tambassis said the agreement encompasses pharmacy remuneration for dispensing PBS and RPBS subsidised medicines; wholesaler remuneration including the Community Service Obligation; the Pharmacy Location Rules; and Professional Programs and Services.
As per the letter of intent previously signed between the Guild and the government, key features include the new Administration, Handling and Infrastructure Fee which links dispensing remuneration to the Consumer Price Index.
There will also be “nearly double the previous Agreement investment in community pharmacy programs and services,” Tambassis said.
The Guild said the agreement is contingent on the passage of legislation to implement the government’s wider PBS package. It’s understood that Health Minister Sussan Ley will introduce this legislation into Federal Parliament later today.
Tambassis said the 6CPA gives five years of certainty for community pharmacy in relation to dispensary remuneration as well as Location Rules. However Location Rules which will be subject to an independent review over the next couple of years “to inform future arrangements”.
“At all times in negotiating this Agreement with the Commonwealth, the Guild’s goal has been to achieve the certainty and security that community pharmacies need to continue delivering quality health care for patients, dispensing PBS medicines, providing professional services, and employing staff,” Tambassis said.
More information in today’s issue of Pharmacy Daily.
