MEDICINAL cannabis-focused healthcare company Montu has welcomed yesterday's announcement from Ahpra and the National Boards reinforcing the importance of clinical integrity and patient safety in medicinal cannabis prescribing (PD 09 Jul).
"We have consistently called for stronger safeguards around prescribing including the appropriate use of Schedule 8 controls, real-time prescription monitoring, and prescribing practices that prioritise therapeutic need over commercial convenience," said Jodie Thomas, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Patient Advocacy at Montu.
"Our clinical standards have long reflected the core principles Ahpra has outlined: longer consultations, mental health and substance use assessments, clinician education, and clear protocols to prevent early repeats or product oversupply."
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia also applauded Ahpra's release of new guidelines for practitioners who prescribe and dispense medicinal cannabis, and supports proactive action against those who have shown poor professional practice when prescribing.
"Like Ahpra, the Guild has been concerned about recent reports of irresponsible prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis," National President, Professor Trent Twomey said.
He noted that pharmacists play an important gate-keeping role.
"When dispensing medicinal cannabis prescriptions, community pharmacists should also assess the therapeutic need for the prescription and ensure prescribers have developed an appropriate management plan with the patient, which includes a clear exit strategy.
"The Guild also reinforces the responsibility of all healthcare providers, including community pharmacists, to report any unprofessional prescribing practices related to medicinal cannabis to the relevant regulatory authorities," Prof Twomey concluded. KB
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