New opportunities and changes continue for Queensland pharmacists, and PDL would like to remind Qld-based members of these changes for the benefit of patients and pharmacists.
Qld community pharmacy pilots
Pharmacists will be aware of the commencement of services in the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot (QCPSPP) and the Hormonal Contraception Pilot (HC Pilot) by authorised pharmacists at authorised pharmacies. The Extended Practice Authorities (EPAs) regulating these activities can be found on the ‘Legislation, standards and extended practice authorities’ webpage as can information about the Qld community pharmacy pilots.
PDL reminds pharmacists that under the QCPSPP the adapted or substituted medicine must be dispensed by the authorised pharmacist and the continued dispensing medicine sold (i.e. supplied without a prescription) by the authorised pharmacist. The terms “dispensed” and “sold” are used in the EPAs and apply in the same manner as other activities involving the handling of scheduled medicines. Please note that the QCPSPP continued dispensing element is separate to the PBS Continued Dispensing arrangements available nationally.
Prescriptions generated by the authorised pharmacist for one of the nominated health conditions in the QCPSPP, or a hormonal contraceptive under the HC Pilot, can be dispensed in a Qld pharmacy by any pharmacist. The authority of the pharmacist to prescribe under these pilots can be confirmed by the verification of the electronic prescription token or QR code through the Prescription Exchange Service. While it’s unlikely that a prescription will be presented at a pharmacy other than where the prescribing pharmacist is located, PDL would like to remind prescribing pharmacists to inform patients that pilot prescriptions will not be valid outside of Qld, unless other jurisdictions legislate the validity of the prescriptions.
PDL is pleased to confirm that pharmacists who have completed the QCPSPP or HC pilot training programs and been authorised by Qld Health are automatically covered for the pilot activities under the PDL Master Policy. Pharmacists do not need to inform PDL of their participation in these activities.
QScript look-up changes
Qld pharmacists should have received information recently about the QScript look-up exemptions that commenced on 1 July 2024. The following documents set out the changes and provide guidance in managing situations that might involve an exemption:
- Changes to QScript look-up and Monitored Medicines Standard requirements
- QScript look-up exemptions: Frequently asked questions
- Checking QScript
Pharmacists have asked PDL how they are expected to know or verify if an exemption applies for some situations such as palliative care treatment or if a patient has a life expectancy of less than 12 months. PDL advises pharmacists to apply their professional judgement as to establishing an exemption balanced with regard for the patient and family’s rights to privacy and confidentiality. In cases where the patient’s health status is not known or when it’s inappropriate to seek this information, PDL suggests following standard practice of complying with QScript look-up requirements.
Qld Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) Program consultation paper
Qld Health is undertaking a consultation of stakeholders to inform consideration of options to improve the ODT system in Qld. Input is sought from pharmacists interested or involved in the ODT program. The consultation paper is available here, with responses due by COB 26 July 2024.
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.
