PHARMACISTS in Tasmania could soon see their scope of practice expanded, with the State's Department of Health being tasked with identifying ways that pharmacists can deliver a broader range of health services.
In a statement released this morning, Tasmania Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, said his Government was "committed to doing what it can to improve access to GPs and ease pressure on our hospitals".
"We are undertaking a Pharmacy Scope of Practice Review to consider what other services and supports this highly skilled group of professionals may be able to safely provide to Tasmanians," he said.
"However, we believe there are steps we can take in the interim.
"I've tasked the Department of Health to immediately look at ways we can extend the role of pharmacists before the Review outcomes.
"This includes expanding the list of medications that are already subject to continued dispensing provisions, such as medications used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol, to include a broader group of medicines like oral contraceptives, medications for the treatment of migraine, eczema, asthma and emphysema, as well as patients who are stabilised on anti-depressant medications.
"This would mean that pharmacists could dispense or supply typically a month of medication after a patient's prescription runs out and the patient had been unable to access a GP.
"It does not mean pharmacists can initiate or prescribe these medications."
Rockliff added that he has also asked the Department to investigate enabling pharmacists to administer more vaccinations, including travel vaccines already prescribed by a GP.
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