From 6 May 2024, pharmacists in South Australia can provide women who meet certain criteria with a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) without a doctor’s prescription. It is important to note that this is not a trial; pharmacists who complete the training and the steps below are authorised to supply the oral contraceptives approved in the Government Gazette from 6 May 2024.
Before offering this service, pharmacists must:
- Confirm their insurance coverage – the PDL Master Policy automatically includes professional indemnity cover for members who provide this service in line with the Government Gazette and SA Community Pharmacy Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Resupply Services Management Protocol (OCP Resupply Management Protocol).
- Complete an approved training program as outlined in the Government Gazette and OCP Resupply Management Protocol.
- Complete cultural safety and gender diversity training relevant to their place of practice, reflect on their competency and provide the service in ways that are inclusive, culturally safe, sensitive and responsive.
- Ensure they have unconditional general registration with Ahpra. This means provisionally registered (intern) pharmacists are excluded from providing this service.
- Comply with all relevant legislation.
- Only offer the service from a pharmacy registered by PRASA and ensure that the pharmacy has a suitable area to maintain patient confidentiality, such as a screened or private consulting area.
- Ensure sufficient space in the consultation area to allow for the patient, a carer if needed and any equipment and documentation.
- Ensure they have familiarised themselves with the OCP Resupply Management Protocol.
Supply
Pharmacists should ensure patients meet eligibility criteria set out in the Government Gazette and OCP Resupply Management Protocol before supplying the OCP. 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. These can be found in Appendix 2 of the OCP Resupply Management Protocol. Supply of the OCP should only occur in accordance with the OCP Resupply Management Protocol and the Professional Practice Standards and Clinical Guidelines referred to in Appendix 4 of the protocol.
Documentation
Pharmacists are required to make a clinical record and a record in the pharmacy dispensing system regarding the supply of an OCP under this service, including consent by the patient. Details of the minimum requirements for record keeping can be found in the OCP Resupply Management Protocol. 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. Consent must be obtained from the patient regarding the consultation, supply of the OCP, any treatment proposed, sharing of information with their medical practitioner and cost of the medicine.
Cost to patients
The protocol states the service is additional to the existing PBS Continued Dispensing arrangements, so the cost to the patient will need to be evaluated and discussed on a case-by-case basis. Pharmacists may charge a consultation fee for providing the resupply service in addition to the cost of the medicine supplied. Any charges for this service should be discussed before the consultation to ensure financial consent is obtained.
Ongoing training requirements
Pharmacists are required to complete any ongoing training and professional development to maintain competency to deliver the service.
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.
Insurance issued by Guild Insurance Limited ABN 55 004 538 863, AFS Licence No. 233791 and subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. Guild Insurance supports PDL through the payment of referral fees. This information is of a general nature only. Please refer to the policy wording and policy schedule for details. For more information, call PDL on 1300 854 838.
