Pharmacy Daily | PSA’s prescribing position statement out

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has issued a new position statement advocating for expanded pharmacist prescribing authority, asserting the necessity for community pharmacists to operate at the full extent of their capabilities.

In anticipation of the upcoming Scope of Practice Review Issues Paper, the PSA has reaffirmed its stance, emphasising the importance of patient safety and high-quality practice standards.

The statement highlights that pharmacists are well-equipped with the competencies required for both prescribing and dispensing medications.

PSA National President, A/Prof Fei Sim, said that regulatory frameworks should facilitate, rather than restrict, timely access to medications.

"Pharmacists should not be prevented from helping patients when they need care.

"Restrictive regulations that hinder pharmacists from assisting patients promptly need to be revised," Sim commented, indicating that while pharmacists in Australia currently prescribe from a limited formulary, their expertise positions them to handle a broader range.

Sim points out that the existing emergency supply provisions are insufficient for mitigating risks when patients face barriers to accessing their medications.

The position statement draws attention to international examples where pharmacists prescribe a wider array of medications effectively, and references Australian pilot programs that demonstrate real demand for pharmacist-led prescribing to bolster health system efficiency.

With the lengthy process of reviewing the scope of practice, the PSA seeks to adapt its position to meet the changing health needs of Australians.

The statement also underlines PSA's dedication to maintaining the integrity of prescribing and dispensing activities, with rigorous clinical governance ensuring the standard of care.

"This reaffirmed position underscores our commitment to delivering health services grounded in evidence.

"PSA strongly believes in the implementation of evaluation and quality frameworks for prescribing services, ensuring that all health service delivery is responsive to the care and therapeutic needs of patients," Sim declared.