Victorian Scope of Practice: Community Pharmacist Program

About the program

Building on the success of the statewide pilot*, which commenced in October 2023, the program became permanent on 1 July 2025. It now includes the following conditions and services:

• Acute, mild musculoskeletal pain
• Acute exacerbations of mild to moderate dermatitis
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• Impetigo
• Mild acne
• Shingles
• Flare-up of mild plaque psoriasis
• Initiation of the oral contraceptive pill
• Resupply of menopausal hormone treatment
• Resupply of select hormonal contraception without a prescription
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
• Travel health and other vaccinations
• Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis

The program will grow to include treatments for 23 common health conditions that pharmacists can offer.

Updated information on the program is available on the Department of Health website: Community Pharmacist Program Resources for Pharmacists

*View the pilot evaluation report online at Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot: Summary report.

Consultation and medication costs

Most consultations under the program are free for patients. Pharmacies receive a $20 payment from the State Government per consultation.

The medication provided under the Community Pharmacist Program is not subsidised under the PBS. Patients receiving treatment from pharmacists will need to pay the full medication cost.

Pharmacists’ full scope of practice training

Pharmacists who complete Australian Pharmacy Council accredited postgraduate courses are eligible to join the program. These courses include:

• Monash University’s Graduate Certificate of Pharmacist Prescribing
• The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program

Victoria Branch Pharmacist Prescribing Training Fund

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch has committed $1.5 million to support the development of a full scope pharmacist workforce in Victoria.

The Pharmacist Prescribing Training Fund is available to Victorian Guild member pharmacists and their sponsored employees who undertake Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) accredited postgraduate pharmacist prescribing courses recognised by the Victorian Government, including courses delivered by Monash University and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Under the program, eligible applicants will receive up to $5,000 in reimbursement upon successful completion of a recognised course.

Funding is available to financial members of the Guild’s Victoria Branch and their employees. Scholarships for the first intake of students are available to one pharmacist per member pharmacy.

Victoria Branch Guild members can find out more and apply for the scholarship here.

Non-member pharmacies with interest in applying for the Victorian scholarship are encouraged to submit their enquiries to membership@vic.guild.org.au