Pharmacists would be aware of the down scheduling of some nicotine vaping or e-cigarette products to S3 from 1 October 2024. PDL has recently provided guidance on cover for pharmacists considering providing this service, ‘Schedule 3 supply of therapeutic vaping products’.
PDL would like to inform members that the Pharmaceutical Services Unit (PSU) has developed the e-cigarette Compliance Program to monitor and support the regulatory compliance of key stakeholders, such as pharmacists and medical practitioners, involved in the lawful supply of vaping products in NSW.
The objectives of the program are to:
- Foster a culture of compliance through ongoing support, to prevent unintentional breaches, and encourage adherence to best practice standards.
- Ensure vaping products supplied by pharmacies comply with legislation and are used as intended.
- Identify, address and mitigate risks in the lawful supply of vaping products.
- Oversee the supply chain to identify trends, to prevent non-compliant stock being supplied to the public, or legitimate products entering the illicit market.
Pharmacy Inspection Program
The Pharmacy Inspection Program is a key strategy to support the program’s goals and commenced on 1 October 2024. Specialised compliance officers will perform routine inspections of pharmacies across NSW. These inspections will evaluate product compliance, storage and sale practices, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements for Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 vaping products. Pharmacists are encouraged to review the Pharmacy inspection audit tool and the Pharmacy inspection fact sheet and self assessment, to ensure they understand their obligations when supplying these products.
Resources
Prior to commencing any new service, pharmacists and proprietors should carefully review legislative requirements and best practice guidelines, ensure that premises and resources are adequate and develop robust standard operating procedures for the service.
- NSW Health website
- TGA vaping hub
- PDL CPD activity: Look before you leap! A risk management guide to introducing a new pharmacy service
- PDL Scope of Practice CHECKLIST
- PSA webinar ‘Navigating the new vaping regulation’ (enrol with PSA login or register for free account)
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.
