Information from the Pharmaceutical Services Unit (PSU)
The PDL Professional Officers often receive enquiries relating to the validity of psychostimulant prescriptions written for NSW patients. The Pharmaceutical Services Unit (PSU) has provided the following information, which PDL would like to pass on to NSW-based members. Please note that this advice also includes electronic prescriptions.
Requirements for dispensing Schedule 8 psychostimulant medicines
The Pharmaceutical Services Unit (PSU) would like to remind pharmacists of the legislative requirements for dispensing Schedule 8 prescriptions for psychostimulant medicines such as dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
For a prescription for a psychostimulant medicine to be valid for dispensing, it must include a NSW Ministry of Health approval number. The approval number can take one of the following formats:
- ‘CA2023’, for use by psychiatrists, paediatricians and neurologists prescribing under the conditions of a class authority.
- Prefix ‘A’ or ‘AU’, followed by a unique number (e.g. A0123456 or AU0123456).
- Prefix ‘CNS’ or ‘S28c’, followed by a unique number.
For more information, please visit the Pharmaceutical Services Unit News and notices webpage.
The NSW Government-Sponsored Clinical Trial: Management of Dermatology Conditions by Community Pharmacists
The NSW Government-Sponsored Clinical Trial: Management of Dermatology Conditions by Community Pharmacists commenced on 19 July. PDL is advised by the University of Newcastle that registration, on a voluntary basis, for the recently announced dermatology phase of the trial will be in phases, with the first phase of registrations already commencing and others to follow in the next few weeks.
The Trial will allow appropriately trained pharmacists from approved pharmacies to provide community access to important medications and treatments that are usually only available with a prescription.
Management of skin conditions can only be offered to patients with symptoms of:
- mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) and are aged between 6 months and 65 years old (inclusive)
- herpes zoster (shingles) and are 18 years and older
- impetigo (school sores) and are 12 months and older
- mild plaque psoriasis and are 18 years and older
The Professional Officers stress that no service delivery is undertaken until the pharmacist has:
- completed the approved training program;
- completed the nominated modules; and
- consented to participate.
The pharmacy where the service is to be delivered also needs to be an approved pharmacy.
In addition, the following are important reminders to pharmacists participating in the Trial:
- Adhere to the requirements in the NSW Health Authority.
- Comply with the clinical guidelines and research protocols approved for the Trial.
- Only conduct the service in an appropriate consulting room or service room as per the NSW Health Authority.
- Ensure a record of supply is shared with the patient’s usual or nominated medical practitioner or medical practice, where the patient has one, following consent by the patient.
PDL is pleased to state that the PDL Master Policy automatically includes professional indemnity cover for members providing this service in line with the authority issued by NSW Health, the approved clinical guidelines and software. Pharmacy proprietors are reminded to confirm their indemnity status for this service with their business insurer.
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.
