Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacist dispensing laws

THIS week the House of Representatives passed the National Health Amendment (5CPA Initiatives) Bill 2011, which will allow continued dispensing of some medicines by pharmacists in defined circumstances. Continued dispensing will allow pharmacists to dispense oral hormonal contraceptives and statins to patients where a prescription is unavailable, for example if the prescription is lost or where the GP is unavailable. As the name suggests, stipulations on continued dispensing mean that it can only be applied to oral hormonal contraceptives and statins that have been previously prescribed to the patient. Other rules governing this practice mean that pharmacists can only apply continuing dispensing practices where the therapy is stable and there has been prior clinical review by the prescriber that supports continuation of the medicine; and where the medicine is safe and appropriate for the consumer. In addition, the legislation provides for mandatory notification to the prescriber that dispensing has occurred. Discussing the legislation, the Member for Capricornia, Kirsten Livermore, said continued dispensing was “a thoroughly common sense improvement on the current situation.” The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the legislation, saying it is confident that the limited measure will ensure optimal outcomes for patients without jeopardising relationships between pharmacists and doctors. Meanwhile, a second important initiative of the 5CPA which passed through the House of Representatives via the National Health Amendment Bill this week, enables the dispensing of PBS medicines from a medication chart, rather than a prescription form, in a residential aged care facility. This medication chart amendment is designed to improve patient safety and streamline administrative procedures. “I thank the Government and the Opposition for supporting the passage of this important legislation through the House, and look forward to its passage through the Senate,” said Guild President Kos Sclavos. “These measures are just two of the significant benefits for consumers contained in the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement,” he added.

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