Electronic prescriptions
The introduction of electronic prescriptions has improved patient accessibility to medication and reduced the administrative burden on pharmacies related to faxed or emailed prescriptions. Most pharmacies now successfully operate a hybrid dispensing workflow that incorporates both electronic and paper-based prescriptions. Despite the benefits of electronic prescriptions, mistakes can still be made if the correct dispensing […]
Maintaining professional boundaries: A reminder for pharmacists
Meridian Lawyers has collaborated with PDL to prepare an article about professional boundaries and the types of conduct that are likely to be the subject of complaint to regulators. The article references Ahpra’s 2022/23 annual report, which revealed 841 notifications involving possible failures to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. At the lower end of the spectrum, […]
Off-label prescribing
Off-label prescribing occurs when a medication is used for a purpose that is not approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It may involve using a medication in a different dosage, route of administration or for a different patient population. While off-label prescribing is legal and sometimes necessary, it may pose ethical and safety […]
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
In recent weeks, the PDL Professional Officers have received a number of queries regarding pharmacists’ obligations and liability when dispensing Mounjaro® (tirzepatide). Tirzepatide is a long-acting dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is registered with the TGA and indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 […]
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 […]
Protecting patient privacy
Pharmacists are in a unique position of trust. That trust requires pharmacists to respect and protect the privacy of those under their care. Patient information must always be managed with sensitivity and should only be shared with those who have a legitimate right to access. This may include other health care professionals or a person […]
Reflecting on ConPharm 2022
PDL representatives Gilbert Yeates (Qld Director) and Gary West (Professional Officer and Qld Local Advisory Committee Chair) were pleased to attend ConPharm 2022 at Sea World Resort and speak with many accredited pharmacists. As expected, these highly engaged pharmacists had many questions for the PDL representatives, and we believe it’s helpful to share some of […]
The big questions for pharmacists
PDL employs four pharmacist Professional Officers who are available 24/7 for PDL members. From the thousands of calls and emails received every year by the Professional Officers, there are several common questions or themes. The following is a summary of some common themes. For specific advice, contact PDL on 1300 854 838 and speak with […]
What do I do if there is an accidental breach of my patient’s privacy?
Advice for health practitioners and organisations It is trite advice to Australian health practitioners to say that they must exercise caution when dealing with their patients’ sensitive health information. However, even the most cautious practitioner or organisation can fall victim to an inadvertent breach of patient privacy. Accidents happen, and Meridian Lawyers frequently receives requests […]
