PLANS to introduce improvements to Tasmania's Controlled Access Scheme (CAS) to boost access to unregistered medicinal cannabis in the state, are being welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian Branch.
The changes will authorise GPs on the Apple Isle to prescribe medicinal cannabis products and more community pharmacies will be able to dispense the medication, Tasmanian Guild Branch President, Helen O'Byrne said.
Relevant approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration will result in Tasmania adopting the national streamlined online application pathway and 48 hour authorisation timeframe.
"It is important to recognise that some treatments are not conventional but for those with serious and long-term illnesses these changes will allow patients, together with their GPs, the opportunity to explore treatment options previously denied to them," O'Byrne said.
"The changes are a sensible approach to prescribing.
"Patients will be able to attend a doctor in their community and receive a prescription locally.
"For those people who have a serious illness this makes their lives a little bit easier and utilises the healthcare ecosystem in their community."
The changes will see the Tasmanian CAS adopt a consistent approach to the models used in other jursidictions.
O'Byrne also called on the Tasmanian Government to consider a harmonised approach to other aspects of prescribing and dispensing, including schedule 8 medications, adding the organisation was looking forward to working with the Department of Health, in line with the new access scheme commencing from 01 Jul.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 18 Mar 21
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 18 Mar 21
