*Disclaimer: This article was published in 2021 and reflects the information available at that time.
Queensland Health has released information about the Queensland real time prescription monitoring system, QScript, in anticipation of its introduction later this year.
As the recognised risk management experts for pharmacists, PDL has been proactively engaged with Queensland Health for almost 12 months to ensure we understand these new regulatory requirements. PDL aims to assist pharmacists in understanding their new regulatory requirements and support them as they adjust workflows to implement the new regulatory framework.
Upon commencement of the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 the QScript system will be implemented. The Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 directs that the use of QScript will be MANDATORY in all circumstances of prescribing, dispensing, or giving a treatment dose of certain medicines (referred to as monitored medicines).
At the same time as the commencement of the Act, the proposed Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021 is set to replace the current Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996. Also, proposed departmental standards such as the Monitored Medicines Standard are to be introduced.
These changes to the legislation and the obligations on prescribers and dispensers are significant in several areas of practice, particularly regarding the prescribing and provision of monitored medicines.
Currently the proposed medicines included in the Monitored Medicines Standard and monitored via QScript will be all S8 medicines and the following S4 medicines; benzodiazepines, z-drugs (e.g. zolpidem and zopiclone), codeine, tramadol, gabapentanoids and quetiapine.
To support these new obligations and changes to practice, the QScript Learning portal has been launched and is now available to pharmacists.
PDL strongly urges all pharmacists who are practising in Queensland, irrespective of the practice setting, to register with the QScript system and access the education and information resources.
To ensure you are ready to use the system when it commences, please register for QScript TODAY
Queensland Health has provided the following advice:
- Pharmacists can select from a suite of eLearning modules, videos, webinars, and factsheets based on their individual learning needs.
- For the latest information outlining the key changes occurring to Queensland’s legislative and regulatory framework in relation to QScript, Queensland Health recommends completing two eLearning modules “QScript and the new Act” and “High Risk Clinical Scenarios” which can be found under the learning area “Your legislative requirements.”
- Add to your calendar QScript’s webinar series, starting at 10:00-11:00am on Wednesday 4 August 2021 with Dr Felicity Jensen’s presentation that will introduce QScript and the new Medicines and Poisons Act 2019. This webinar will be recorded and available in the “Your legislative requirements” section of the QScript website.
- The QScript Learning portal is accredited by the Australasian College of Pharmacy (ACP).
Given the impact of the changes to both your clinical role and regulatory compliance requirements, these accredited learning activities should be included in every registered pharmacist’s CPD learning plan.
PDL intends to provide further information and advice to pharmacists about the use of QScript closer to the expected implementation date with a particular focus on obligations, documentation, appropriate access, and privacy.
Please watch your PDL email address closely for further updates and notification of the starting date for the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019. The next few months provide a great opportunity to both prepare for these very significant practice changes and to complete your annual Pharmacy Board of Australia CPD requirements.
For more information, visit the Queensland Health homepage for real time reporting of monitored medicines.
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.
