The order applies to all prescription only medicines with the exception of anabolic steroids, designated Appendix D medicines and benzodiazepines. Controlled (schedule 8) medicines are also not permitted under the order. The order is in place until 31 March 2020 unless revoked earlier.
The ACT standing order is very similar to the special authority issued by NSW Health and public health emergency order issued in Victoria recently in response to the bushfires.
The decision has been made in response to requests from ACT pharmacists, to support patients either directly or indirectly impacted by bushfires in the surrounding region and to ensure patients have continued access to their essential medicines where it is impracticable for them to see a doctor.
ACT Health has been working closely with the ACT branches of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and Pharmacy Guild of Australia in developing this advice.
Further information will be published about this standing order for pharmacists and the public on the ACT Health website www.health.act.gov.au over the course of the day.