Changes for Victoria from 1 April 2020
Victorian Pharmacist-Administered Vaccination Program People aged 10 years and older will be able to receive their influenza vaccine from a Pharmacist Immuniser. People aged 15 years and older will be able to receive their meningococcal ACWY, measles-mumps-rubella and pertussis-containing vaccine from a Pharmacist Immuniser. Pharmacist-administered mobile or outreach vaccination services will be possible. Read more […]
Support and resources during COVID-19 pandemic
PDL would like to express its support for pharmacists playing a vital role in assisting the community at this time. We understand that many pharmacists and staff are working extremely hard and under significant pressure to ensure their patients receive the best possible care and support. As an organisation focused on risk management we understand […]
Vaccination 2020 – are you prepared?
It is anticipated that community pharmacies will experience a greater demand this year for pharmacist-administered vaccinations because of COVID-19 concerns and the reduction in the minimum age for influenza vaccination in many States. PDL is concerned that an increased number of virus-related enquiries and higher demand for vaccination when many pharmacies are dealing with larger-than-normal […]
Generic substitution and unauthorised changes to prescriptions
Some pharmacists feel that they can make generic substitutions where it is unauthorised and that they will act without consequence. This is not the case as PDL has assisted numerous pharmacists in the past who have been reprimanded for acting this way. Complaints to pharmacy regulators usually happen in one of two ways; Consumers who […]
Script forgeries
There has been a recent spate of fraudulent S8 prescriptions along the east coast of Australia. PDL would like to remind members to remain vigilant and adhere to state-based legislation when dispensing any S8 prescriptions. There have been several confirmed reports of fraudulent handwritten and computer-generated prescriptions for Durogesic patches in varying strengths and quantities. […]
Owing prescriptions – are you courting danger?
The recent devastating bushfires across Australia have meant pharmacists have needed to dispense emergency supplies of medications without prescriptions. Temporary special authorities have recently been issued for the supply of some prescription medicines from community pharmacies in emergencies in bushfire-affected areas in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. The usual arrangements for emergency supply and continued […]
New and improved incident reporting
PDL currently supports around 30,000 members across Australia. Hundreds of incident reports are received each year and members have access to numerous resources to assist with error management and safe pharmacy practice. PDL acknowledges that pharmacy practice is evolving and have updated our online Incident Reporting System to reflect the broadening scope of practice that […]
You have received a notification – what now?
The practice of pharmacy is highly regulated and modern society is becoming increasingly litigious. With that in mind, pharmacists should anticipate that they may be contacted by a statutory authority or investigator at some stage during their careers. In 2017-18, 1.9% of pharmacists in Australia were the subject of notification to AHPRA. Common statutory authorities […]
Opioid replacement therapy – regulations and adherence
Pharmacists breaching regulations involving opioid replacement therapy (ORT) are quickly referred to the regulators. A recent blitz from NSW Health against pharmacies that provide opioid-replacement services is resulting in members of PDL seeking support in handling regulator inquiries. Penalties such as restrictions on practice for pharmacy owners and employed pharmacists may be involved. These incidents highlight the importance of adhering to current State-based legislation when dealing with all S8 medications, including […]
Aggressive behaviour of the public towards pharmacists
Aggression towards pharmacists is sometimes used as a bullying tactic by an individual to get their own way in such matters as the early supply of staged supply or the prompt dispensing of a prescription for a restricted drug that requires further checking with a prescriber. Rude and aggressive behaviour is also often displayed towards pharmacy staff who […]
