PHARMACISTS in Communities of Interest (CoIs) in Queensland are now able to dispense electronic prescriptions after State legislation was approved earlier this month.
On Sat, State Health Minister, Steven Miles, announced that the necessary regulatory changes had been approved to bring Queensland into line with other States and Territories.
"This is the next step in better facilitating the flow of prescriptions between doctors and pharmacists," he said.
"Prior to this step, we introduced digital image scripts as an interim measure, which allowed the supply of PBS medicines through a digital copy of a script.
"Although electronic prescriptions are now available, the existing paper-based prescription process will remain for those still wishing to process their prescriptions as they've always done," he said.
Queensland Health Director-General, Dr John Wakefield, certified the approved requirements for electronic prescriptions under the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996, on 10 Jul.
Under the new regulations prescribers in Queensland will be able to create e-scripts using prescribing software that meets the Australian Digital Health Agency's conformance criteria.
Bundaberg health clinic, the Grave Family Practice, issued Queensland's first e-script yesteday, BundabergNow reported.
The e-script was issued using local technology firm, Best Practice's Best Practice Software.
Best Practice Acting Chief Operations Officer, Lorraine Pyefinch, said the introduction of e-scripts would revolutionise patient care.
"e-scripts will enable seamless, end-to-end telehealth appointments to be completed," she said.
"If a patient is house-bound or isolating because of COVID-19, they can have a teleconference with their usual doctor, receive the e-script token on their phone, then send the token on to the pharmacy of their choice (who are using the appropriate dispensing software).
"The pharmacy can dispense and deliver it to the patient, so no need to leave the house.
"The roll-out of e-scripts will be progressive as surgeries and pharmacies across Australia upgrade their software to activate the new functionality.
"We recommend that patients check with their usual practice and pharmacy to ensure they are e-script ready."
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