NEGOTIATIONS for the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) will continue into 2020, despite Department of Health Secretary, Glenys Beauchamp, saying having a deal signed by 31 Dec was one of her key performance indicators.
However, a Department spokesperson confirmed the deadline has been pushed back to 31 Mar, meaning negotiations are likely to continue beyond the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition.
"The Government has sought to be highly inclusive, inviting a wide group of stakeholders to contribute to the 7CPA," the spokesperson said.
"In line with this commitment, the Department has met with a range of organisations since mid-2019.
"While the Department aimed to reach a negotiated agreement before the end of 2019, negotiations will continue into January 2020."
Issues surrounding double dispensing are believed to be a significant stumbling block for negotiators.
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