THE Western Australian Government has launched a major review of community pharmacy ownership in the state, looking at the "adequacy of current WA ownership laws to protect the integrity of the sector".
A discussion paper released by Health Minister Roger Cook says the review is focused on trends in pharmacy ownership, and lessons from other states and territories.
Key issues relate to ownership of pharmacies in WA by non-practising pharmacists; ownership by pharmacists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency but not resident in WA; and "consistency with respect to the number of pharmacies that can be owned in different jurisdictions".
Cook said "the traditional role of community pharmacies is changing and we want to make sure the government's regulatory role is keeping pace with the times," with Western Australia currently home to a total of 642 pharmacies.
Cook said the review would also look at the role that pharmacies can play in an integrated health care model in WA, and "what changes, if any, could the WA Government make to see the pharmacy role in the WA health system protected".
The Victorian Pharmacy Authority has also been looking at the issue of pharmacy ownership, earlier this year updating its approach to "complex licence applications" (PD 01 Sep) which involve third party commercial arrangements such as franchise agreements or arrangements with banner groups.
Submissions to the WA review of pharmacy ownership are being sought via a consultation page, with input required before close of business on Fri 08 Dec 2017.
See health.wa.gov.au for more.
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