National President of the Guild, Professor Trent Twomey, said the decision was a very positive step in further helping to improve patient access to medicines.
“The ability to autonomously prescribe must be a core task for all pharmacists with general registration if our profession is to offer universal primary healthcare to all Australians,” Professor Twomey said.
“Autonomous pharmacist prescribing will improve access to treatment options for patients with conditions that can be managed by a pharmacist.
“This will include after hours and on weekends when access to other health care professionals is limited or non-existent.
“Patients will benefit.
“And it is a very positive move that the Pharmacy Board has decided on the autonomous prescribing model which is necessary if pharmacist prescribing is to contribute to the delivery of sustainable, responsive and affordable access to medicines for patients.
“We look forward to working with the Board to ensure this very important development is implemented quickly and effectively.”
The Pharmacy Board announced the education programs would qualify and equip pharmacists to prescribe autonomously in accordance with any emerging authorisations set out in State and Territory medicines and poisons legislation.
The Board said it had asked the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), to develop the accreditation standards.
The development will include wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders including the public, pharmacists, governments and other health professions.