Facts about pharmacist prescribing in Australia

Prescribing pharmacists operate with a focus on patient safety

Patient safety is at the centre of community pharmacy clinical services.

Community pharmacists operate within a comprehensive clinical governance framework, including Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) regulatory oversight and professional standards, strict service protocols with exclusion and referral pathways, and accreditation against the Australian Community Pharmacy Standard through the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP).

As with other healthcare professions, pharmacists have professional obligations to report adverse events, maintain clinical records, participate in continuing professional development, undertake evidence-based practice, and practise in accordance with commonwealth, state and territory legislation.

Prescribing pharmacists require specific prescribing qualifications

Pharmacists in Australia do not currently graduate with all prescribing competencies required for independent prescribing. That is why pharmacist prescribing requires dedicated additional education and assessment.

All healthcare professionals who prescribe must be appropriately trained, including pharmacists. Prescribing pharmacists need to have successfully completed an accredited education program, which builds on pharmacists' five-year base registerable university degree, supervised practice, registration and ongoing professional obligations. Accredited education programs align with national prescribing competency frameworks that apply to all prescribing healthcare professionals.

International evidence supports pharmacist prescribing

Pharmacist prescribing is established in other comparable countries including England, Wales, Scotland, Canada and New Zealand.

The evidence from Australia and internationally is clear: pharmacist prescribing can be safe, effective and improve access to care. Research consistently demonstrates that pharmacist prescribing can improve timely access to treatment while maintaining patient safety when delivered within appropriate governance frameworks.