Checking SafeScript when supplying pregabalin, gabapentin and tramadol

The PDL Professional Officers confirm that Victorian pharmacists have been receiving notifications regarding lapses in compliance with SafeScript. PDL strongly recommends that pharmacists take the time to familiarise themselves with their legal obligations. PDL wishes to underscore the importance of considerations from a professional and clinical perspective in every situation and placing patient well-being at […]
NSW/ACT UTI trial update

The NSW Government-sponsored clinical trial for the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by community pharmacists was expanded on 31 July 2023 to include more than 1000 pharmacies following the successful completion of the feasibility study. The ACT has now joined the trial with five ACT pharmacies participating. The trial aims to evaluate the implementation […]
WA Urinary Tract Infection service

On 4 August 2023, the WA Government announced the implementation of treatment of urinary tract infection (UTIs) by pharmacists. WA Health has issued a Structured Administration and Supply Arrangement (SASA) that authorises trained pharmacists working in community pharmacy to supply antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections in eligible women aged between 18 and […]
My Health Record insights from Meridian Lawyers

PDL Professional Officers occasionally receive incident reports and notifications relating to breaches or concerns regarding access to a patient’s My Health Record. Some of these cases require responses to the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) and/or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). PDL is grateful to Meridian Lawyers for preparing the following article […]
Changes to SafeScript Victoria

PDL would like to bring the upcoming changes to SafeScript to the attention of Victorian pharmacists. Effective from 3 July 2023, pregabalin, gabapentin and tramadol will be added to the list of medicines monitored in SafeScript. This means you must take all reasonable steps to check the records and information in SafeScript on each occasion […]
Resource for guidance on the ODT reform

The Pharmacy Stakeholder Forum is a joint initiative between the Pharmacy Council of NSW, NSW Health and other pharmacy organisations representing most NSW pharmacists. You may have seen the Forum communique sent to PDL members in October 2022. As mentioned in the communique, the purpose of the Forum is to: • monitor regulatory issues that […]
The art of saying sorry

Meridian Lawyers issue state and territory-specific guides It’s OK to say sorry. Pharmacists are human beings and fallible, so despite their best efforts, adverse events and mistakes can still occur. A key component of managing an incident is offering a sincere apology when an incident occurs. When dealing with an incident or complaint, no matter […]
ScriptCheckWA registration and support materials now available

ScriptCheckWA is Western Australia’s Real Time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) system, which is now available to all pharmacists practising in WA. As the recognised risk management experts for pharmacists, PDL is focused on supporting members to understand the new regulatory requirements and assist them as they adjust workflows to implement the new requirements. What is ScriptCheckWA? ScriptCheckWA […]
NSW Urinary Tract Infection trial

As NSW pharmacists may be aware, NSW Health has announced the NSW Government-sponsored clinical trial for the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by community pharmacists. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacists prescribing antibiotics to treat uncomplicated UTIs in eligible women aged 18 to 65 years (inclusive). The University of Newcastle is […]
Resources for guidance on immunisation

The Pharmacy Stakeholder Forum is a joint initiative between the Pharmacy Council of NSW, the NSW Ministry of Health and other pharmacy organisations representing most NSW pharmacists. You may have seen the Forum communique sent to PDL members in October 2022. As mentioned in the communique, the purpose of the Forum is to: • monitor […]