From 1 July 2024, pharmacists in Tasmania can offer resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) without a doctor’s prescription to individuals who meet specific criteria. This service is inclusive of transgender, gender diverse, intersex or non-binary people assigned and/or presumed female at birth. It is important to note that this is not a trial; endorsed pharmacists practising in approved premises will be authorised to supply the oral contraceptives, as set out in the Interim Authorisation of the Poisons Act 1971 S. R. 2024, Poisons (Interim Authorisation) Order 2024.
The PDL Master Policy automatically includes professional indemnity cover for members who provide this service in line with the approved guidelines and protocols. Members don’t need to inform PDL of their involvement in the initiative.
Before offering the service, pharmacists must:
- Complete training approved by the Department of Health. Current approved courses are offered by the Australasian College of Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
- Ensure they have unconditional general registration with Ahpra. Any current investigation or restrictions that may impact the pharmacist’s ability to become endorsed must be disclosed in the application to the Scope of Practice Project Team at the Department of Health. If an endorsed pharmacist becomes subject to an investigation, or if their registration is restricted after the initial application of endorsement, they must promptly inform the Department of Health.
- Comply with all relevant legislation.
- Both community pharmacy premises and individual pharmacists must meet the eligibility requirements and obtain endorsement from the Department of Health. Individual pharmacists must submit a completed application form, while pharmacy premises must complete a separate application form. The Department of Health will assess these applications and inform applicants of the outcome. There is no cap on the number of pharmacies or pharmacists that can participate.
- Familiarise and comply with the requirements as set out in the Protocol for Resupply of the OCP.
Supply
Pharmacists must ensure patients meet eligibility criteria as set out in the protocol. Pharmacists should be aware they are not permitted to initiate or change a patient’s OCP therapy. Furthermore, pharmacists should familiarise themselves with the list of OCPs that may be supplied under the protocol. Pharmacists also have the option of supplying OCP under the Continued Dispensing Arrangements.
Documentation
Pharmacists are required to make clinical records regarding the supply; minimum requirements are set out in the protocol. Pharmacists must provide a copy of the consultation summary to the patient. PDL strongly recommends that all record keeping is of a high standard, both professionally and clinically. PDL would like to remind pharmacists to document any declinature and referral of service, ensuring timely and appropriate action.
Consent and privacy
PDL would like to emphasise the critical importance of obtaining patient consent and safeguarding patient privacy when offering this service. As part of the consultation process, pharmacists need to obtain informed consent for treatment, collection and storage of information. Patients also need to consent to the pharmacist providing referrals or information to their usual general practitioner and for treatment details to be uploaded to their My Health Record. The project team strongly recommend that information sharing between the pharmacy and the general practitioner occurs through a secure transfer system such as HealthLink.
Ongoing training requirements
PDL would like to encourage pharmacists to undertake ongoing training and professional development to maintain competency to deliver the service.
Adverse outcomes and clinical incidents
In the event that pharmacists become aware of adverse outcomes among patients involved in this initiative, they should take the following steps:
- Ensure the patient receives appropriate clinical care, referral and follow up
- Thoroughly document incident details in the electronic clinical system
- Notify their professional indemnity insurer
- Inform the Department of Health Pharmacy Scope team via pharmacyscope@health.tas.gov.au
PDL continues to support the profession and members in the provision of professional services. PDL representatives have provided input to the Tasmanian Department of Health regarding risk management for this service.
More information about the initiative can be found on the Department of Health website under Tasmanian Community Pharmacy Program.
For immediate advice and incident support, call PDL on 1300 854 838 to speak with one of our Professional Officers. We are here to support our pharmacist members 24/7, Australia-wide.
