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Author: Georgia Clarke

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Permanent expansion of pharmacist-led UTI treatment and oral contraceptive re-supply a win for patients in the ACT

27 February 2025

 

More community pharmacies in the ACT will soon be able to offer treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and re-supply the oral contraceptive pill as the ACT Government announced that services are now becoming a permanent part of Canberra’s health network.

 

The clinical trial saw more than 780 consultations for Canberra women aged 18-64 presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs, and 176 consultations for Canberrans seeking re-supply of the oral contraceptive pill.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the move, with ACT Branch President Olivia Collenette MPS highlighting access to safe and timely care as essential pillars of good health.

 

“Expanding treatment for acute UTIs and making oral contraceptives easier to access means more accessible care for Canberrans,” Ms Collenette said.

 

“Community pharmacists are essential members of the health care team, and with appropriate training can play an even greater role in supporting our community’s health.

 

“PSA proudly supports pharmacists with the education and training required to deliver high-quality care to Canberrans. I encourage ACT pharmacists who aren’t already providing these services to take this opportunity to grow their practice with the support of PSA’s leading pharmacist education.”

 

As part of the announcement, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA also flagged a move to align the Vaccinations by Pharmacists Standard to better align with neighbouring states.

 

Ms Collenette said that this was a step in the right direction, but more could be done.

 

“PSA advocates for the national alignment of pharmacy services, allowing pharmacists to practise to our full scope,” Ms Collenette said.

 

“It continues to be a challenge for our profession when a patient in one jurisdiction can access a certain level of care, while a patient in another jurisdiction cannot.

 

“We’ve seen South Australia really lead the way in recent months, removing unnecessary red tape that prevented pharmacists from delivering certain vaccinations. The result has been a health system that champions vaccination uptake, making it easier to access critical care when and where it’s needed.

 

“Our vision is for pharmacists to play a greater role at the forefront of Canberra’s health system, practising to our full and top of scope, better supporting patients with medicine use. We need the ACT Government, and governments around the country, to work with us to cut unnecessary red tape and make this vision a reality,” Ms Collenette concluded.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Pharmacists stepping up: theme and date for Thank Your Pharmacist Day 2025 announced

27 February 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced the theme for 2025 Thank Your Pharmacist Day: ‘Pharmacists stepping up’, acknowledging the increasing role of pharmacists in supporting patient care and strengthening Australia’s healthcare system.

 

Thank Your Pharmacist Day will take place on Thursday 13 March 2025, with PSA calling on Australians to show their appreciation for pharmacists and the care they provide.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the theme reflects the dedication of pharmacists as they take on expanded roles and responsibilities in response to community needs.

 

“Every day, pharmacists across Australia are stepping up to meet growing healthcare demands across a diverse range of practice areas. Thank Your Pharmacist Day is an opportunity to recognise their contributions and the vital role they play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australians,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“As the peak body representing all pharmacists across all areas of practice, PSA is committed to supporting pharmacists as they take on new opportunities through education, training, and advocacy. As our profession continues to evolve, pharmacists remain at the forefront of accessible healthcare.”

 

PSA is also inviting elected officials around the country to connect with local pharmacists in the lead-up to Thank Your Pharmacist Day, to witness first-hand how pharmacists are stepping up to meet patient needs in their communities.

 

“With the federal election approaching, this is an important moment for decision-makers to see the critical role pharmacists play and to understand how supporting pharmacists means better healthcare access and medicine safety for all Australians,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

Pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and the public are encouraged to take part by sharing their stories and messages of thanks using #ThankYourPharmacist.

 

Further information, including media and advocacy kits, are available now at www.psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist/

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

​

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Outstanding clinical leader named Tasmania’s Intern Pharmacist of the Year

24 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to present the 2025 Tasmanian Intern Pharmacist of the Year award to Lucinda Dowling, recognising her outstanding leadership, commitment to patient care, and contributions to medicine safety.

 

A recently graduated PSA intern and pharmacist at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Lucinda is recognised for her exceptional initiative in pharmacy service delivery and professional engagement throughout her intern year.

 

Her work in medicines governance and access included auditing vaccine prescribing and distribution, with findings contributing to updates to the Tasmanian Medication Formulary and guiding pharmacy supply decisions. She also took the lead in improving vancomycin level monitoring on the neurosurgery ward, identifying errors in administration timing and developing targeted education sessions for nursing staff to enhance patient safety.

 

Lucinda is a leader among her peers, supporting fellow interns with education sessions, mentoring new pharmacy interns, and supervising University of Tasmania pharmacy students on placement.

 

PSA Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS congratulated Lucinda on her achievement, praising her commitment to advancing pharmacy practice.

 

“Lucinda has set an incredible example of what it means to be a pharmacist—demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a dedication to medicines safety that will serve her well throughout her career,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

 

“Her work in improving medicine governance and patient safety, particularly her education initiatives for healthcare professionals, highlights the vital role pharmacists play in optimising patient outcomes.

 

“On behalf of PSA, I congratulate Lucinda on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continuing to support her throughout her undoubtedly bright pharmacy career ahead.”

 

The Tasmanian Intern Pharmacist of the Year Award was presented by PSA at the Intern of the Year and Welcome to the Profession event on Friday 21 February 2025 at T42 Hobart.

 

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA members overwhelmingly endorse strategic acquisition, paving the way for stronger training and education for pharmacists

20 February 2025

 

Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have voted in support of the necessary constitutional changes to allow the acquisition of the Australasian College of Pharmacy (ACP) to proceed.

 

The decision to acquire the ACP, announced in early 2025, is part of the PSA Board’s broader strategic plan to grow value for members by expanding education opportunities for the profession, and securing a long-term, sustainable future for PSA as the premier training and education provider for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants.

 

Following the positive voting outcome from the Special General Meeting last night, PSA is now working with the ACP’s shareholders to undertake the necessary transaction and regulatory processes to enable the acquisition, marking a significant milestone in PSA’s journey to strengthening pharmacy education in Australia.

 

National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the result, saying it reflects strong member support for PSA’s vision for pharmacy education.

 

“Our members have shown us that they share our vision and our excitement for the future of pharmacy education, led by PSA,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This is a vote of confidence in PSA’s future, both as the premier pharmacy education provider and as the peak body for all pharmacists in all areas of practice. Our members are at the centre of everything we do, and we have heard them loud and clear.

 

“Tonight’s voting outcome is one of the crucial steps. With this strategic direction endorsed by our members, we now progress to the next stage of transaction and regulatory processes.

 

“In navigating these next steps we are always acting in the best interests of our members to enable the successful acquisition.

 

“We are excited to start building the next chapter of PSA history, strengthening PSA’s position in supporting and advocating for our members during this pivotal time of practice change,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA is working closely with the ACP to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for learners, our staff, and other stakeholders.

 

PSA remains committed to supporting pharmacists in all areas of practice and will provide further updates as the acquisition progresses.

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA announce deadline for MMR RPL processing guarantee

18 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is encouraging pharmacists seeking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the new Medication Management Review (MMR) Credential to ensure all evidence is submitted by 22 April 2025 to guarantee processing before interim funding arrangements end on 30 June.

 

From 1 July 2025, pharmacists who have not obtained a new credential will be unable to claim fees for MMR services, as current Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) will become invalid.

 

PSA guarantees that pharmacists who submit a complete MMR RPL application before 22 April will have their RPL processed and new credential issued before 1 July. Submission made after this date will still be processed however may not be completed before 1 July.

 

As part of PSA’s ongoing support for consultant pharmacists, PSA also continue to provide complimentary MMR RPL for professional plus members.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the guarantee gives pharmacists certainty about their ability to continue providing MMR services uninterrupted.

 

“The temporary extension of MRNs meant that pharmacists had more time to transition to new credentials, minimising disruption to patient services and allowing the existing workforce to continue providing MMR services,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“As we now approach the end of this extension, our team is preparing for an influx of applications.

 

“To ensure that critical MMR services are not interrupted, PSA is guaranteeing that all RPL applications submitted before 22 April will be processed before 1 July.

 

“I strongly encourage pharmacists who have not yet enrolled in the RPL course and submitted the required evidence to do so as soon as possible, ensuring that your services are not interrupted on 1 July,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) also encouraged pharmacists to connect with the CSI for support.

 

“As the temporary extension of our MRNs comes to an end, now is time to gather and submit evidence for your RPL,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“Our Consultant Pharmacists CSI Facebook group is a valuable resource for members undertaking RPL, particularly when it comes to the peer review process. I encourage PSA members to join our community and reach out to peers for support as we near 1 July.”

 

PSA has provided pharmacists detailed information and a step-by-step guide to submitting RPL evidence on a dedicated webpage, available here. PSA’s friendly credentialing team is also available to assist learners via credentialing@psa.org.au

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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MMR Recognition of Prior Learning

Do you conduct Medication Management Reviews?

 

From 1 July 2025, current Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) will become invalid and pharmacists who have not obtained a new credential and MRN will be unable to claim payments for MMR services. 

 

In short: If you don’t renew your credential prior to 1 July 2025, you won’t get paid. 

 

How do I obtain the new credential? 

 

To update your credential and receive a new MRN, you must undertake an Australian Pharmacy Council Accredited Medication Management Review (MMR) recognition of prior learning (RPL) process or training program. 

 

You can undertake the MMR RPL process with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. 

 

How much does it cost? 

 

PSA Professional Plus members can undertake the MMR RPL at no charge. There is a cost of $599 for pharmacists who are not PSA Professional Plus members.  

 

  • To become a PSA member, click here. 
  • To upgrade your membership to Professional Plus, please contact the Member Services Team on 1300 369 772 and select ‘Option 1’.  

 

When do I need to do this? 

 

To allow time for assessment and processing, it is strongly suggested that you enrol in the MMR RPL and submit your evidence by 22 April 2025.

 

Submissions made after this date will be assessed as soon as possible, however PSA cannot guarantee that new credentials will be provided before 1 July. 

 

What do I need to do next? 

 

Step 1. Enrol in the MMR RPL 

 

 

Once you are enrolled you will have access to the MMR RPL module in the PSA portal, including the RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool. 

 

Step 2. Complete the PSA ‘RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool’ 

 

In the MMR module you will need to complete the RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool.

 

After completing:  

  1. If you believe you are competent in meeting the APC Performance Outcomes 1.1 and 4.2, you will need to collect evidence of your prior learning. 
  2. If you do not believe you are competent in meeting these outcomes, you will need to complete gap assessment activities (available in the MMR module), then proceed to step 3. 

 

Step 3. Submit your documentation 

 

The following documentation can be uploaded in the portal. This includes: 

  1. The completed RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool 
  2. A current CV/resume OR copies of at least two de-identified MMR reports OR details of PPA claims to demonstrate recency of practice. 
  3. A copy of your qualification e.g. AACP accreditation certificate or PSA certificate. 

As well as evidence of prior learning: 

  1. A completion certificate of the Deadly Pharmacist course (or approved alternative).
  2. A personal QI plan OR documentation of peer discussion of an MMR. 

What happens next? 

Your MMR RPL submission will be assessed and feedback provided. 

 

  • If all performance outcomes are met, you will receive access to a new MMR Credential certificate and medication review number (MRN) for claiming purposes. 
  • If performance outcomes are not met, you will be asked to provide further information.  

Frequently Asked Questions - MMR RPL

How much time do I need to allow to prepare my evidence?

This will vary depending on individual circumstances but please allow sufficient time to avoid rushing. The Deadly Pharmacist course, for example, requires 7 hours of learning.  

Once I submit my evidence, how long will it take for it to be assessed and feedback provided?

PSA are expecting a large volume of submissions in the months leading up to 1 July 2025.  

 

Complete MMR RPL submissions made before 22 April 2025 are guaranteed to be assessed and processed by the end of June. 

Where can I complete the Deadly Pharmacist course or approved alternatives?

PSA’s Deadly Pharmacist training program can be completed at no cost. Alternatively, you can submit evidence of completion of cultural competence activities as part of a workplace assessment. 

What if I cannot provide evidence of prior learning?

If you cannot provide evidence of RPL, you can complete gap assessment activities. Please contact credentialing@psa.org.au for assistance. 

What if I submit my evidence after 22 April?

Submissions made after this date will be assessed as soon as possible, however PSA cannot guarantee that new credentials will be provided before 1 July. 

Have other questions? Contact our friendly team at credentialing@psa.org.au and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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National women’s health initiatives a significant step forward in improving access to care

10 February 2025

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s $573 million commitment to national women’s health initiatives, including a nation-wide trial to boost access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hormonal contraception through community pharmacists.

 

For the first time, the nation-wide trial will mean patients able to access medicines for UTIs and hormonal contraceptives at Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicine cost, improving financial access to these essential medicines.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS has served on the federal government’s Women’s Health Advisory Council and co-chaired the Access, Care and Outcomes Subcommittee since 2023.

 

Associate Professor Sim said the announcement, which now has bipartisan support, is breaking down barriers to healthcare access, especially in regional, rural and remote areas.

 

“Women deserve to receive timely, high-quality care, and pharmacists are trained and ready to support them in managing their health,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists across the country are already a vital piece of the puzzle, allowing women to seek treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and repeat prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives when and where they need it. This announcement will take these programs one step further, allowing pharmacists to initiate hormonal contraceptives and supply medications under the PBS for the first time.

 

“Community pharmacists are trusted, accessible healthcare professionals. These policy changes are a game changer for women around the country.”

 

Associate Professor Sim reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting pharmacists with the necessary education and training to provide safe and effective care under these initiatives.

 

“PSA is proud to support these initiatives with high-quality education and training for pharmacists, building the capacity and expertise of our profession as we scale up our health care services for women across Australia.

 

“PSA looks forward to working closely with governments and healthcare stakeholders to ensure the success of these trials and to continue strengthening pharmacists’ role in women’s healthcare across Australia,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Further information on the federal government announcement is available here

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2025-26 Federal Budget an opportunity to strengthen pharmacist care

7 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on the Federal Government to invest in pharmacists as part of the 2025-26 Budget, supporting the pharmacists stepping up to helping ease pressure on the wider healthcare system and deliver better patient outcomes.

 

As the peak body for all pharmacists practising across Australia’s health system, PSA highlights opportunities to support pharmacists as medicine experts to improve the quality use of medicines and medicine safety in all areas of practice.

 

PSA’s submission highlights opportunities to improve patient access to equitable healthcare and medicine safety by strengthening the role of pharmacists with sustainable funding models, calling for:

  • Equitably funding pharmacist services, including annual indexation, rural and after-hours loading.
  • Lifting remuneration to align with other health professions delivering vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program.
  • Investing in First Nations health by funding the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC) program as recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee.
  • Making medicines expertise and support more accessible to Australians living with chronic illness by doubling the Workforce Incentive Program funding for general practices that embed pharmacists, and funding pharmacists to participate in multidisciplinary case conferencing.
  • Further supporting professional pharmacy practice by funding measures that bring standards and guidelines in line with growing scope of practice.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said that unlocking the full potential of pharmacists is critical to meeting the country’s growing health needs.

 

“Pharmacists are ready and willing to do more for our patients – now we need the tools and support to do so sustainably,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This budget is an opportunity to address longstanding inequalities in funding, giving pharmacists the recognition that they deserve.

 

“Every day, Australians turn to their local pharmacist for timely, expert care. With investment in services, education, and workforce sustainability, we can continue to strengthen and scale up the services we provide, improving patient access to care and reducing pressure on the health system.

 

“Our message to government is clear, invest in pharmacists, and we will deliver better health outcomes for all Australians.”

 

PSA’s 2024-25 Federal Budget submission is available in full here.

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA welcomes SA’s nation-leading vaccination scope for pharmacists and calls on other states to follow

6 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends the South Australian Government for its decision to remove the regulatory shackles holding pharmacists back from fully using their skills and expertise to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

As announced today by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton MP, effective immediately, South Australian pharmacist immunisers can authorise and administer any vaccine within their individual scope of practice, including for the first time travel health vaccines for cholera, rabies and typhoid.

 

Similarly, the government has removed unnecessary red tape regulating age cohorts which has constrained and disincentivised service provision by pharmacists.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS celebrated the announcement.

 

“From today, South Australian pharmacists will be authorised to prescribe and administer vaccines from the same vaccine formulary as every other vaccinator – the Australian Immunisation Handbook,” Dr Angley said.

 

“This will dramatically improve access and convenience for South Australians. No longer will patients need to wait for pharmacists to review unnecessarily complex legal authority to before safely authorising and administering recommended vaccines, including travel health vaccines

 

“South Australia is leading the nation in scope of pharmacist-administered vaccines, a fact that we should be very proud of.

 

“I thank Minister Picton for his confidence in our profession in supporting a more sophisticated and contemporary approach to pharmacist scope of practice. PSA has advocated for today’s changes for a number of years. I am confident in saying that today, South Australia is the envy of our pharmacist vaccinator colleagues in every other jurisdiction across the country.

 

Adding support to the announcement, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS heralded the reforms ‘nation-leading’ and called for other jurisdictions to adopt the South Australian approach.

 

“Today’s announcement in South Australia means that pharmacists will be able to prescribe and administer vaccines consistent with their skills and knowledge, rather than be held back by regulation. Regulation should enable, rather than restrict good health care provision. This approach will unlock a new level of care, and should be the standard all other states and territories aspire to,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“This is a significant and sensible step forward to improve Australians’ access to healthcare which will strengthen our healthcare system’s capacity.

 

“PSA is advocating to regulators in every other Australian jurisdiction urging for alignment of these regulatory changes in each jurisdiction to unleash the potential of pharmacists in protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA applauds Northern Territory’s expansion of pharmacist authority to prescribe and administer a wider range of vaccines

3 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends the Northern Territory Government for its decision to further expand the scope of pharmacist-administered vaccination.

 

Effective immediately, pharmacists in the Territory are authorised to prescribe and administer a wider range of vaccines, including private market vaccines such as shingles and whooping cough vaccines when not covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

 

Additionally, from today, NT pharmacists can also administer the Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine (RSV) at no cost to patients through the NIP during pregnancy from 28 to 36 weeks’ gestation.

 

PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS lauded the initiative, stating, “This development is a significant advancement in public health, enhancing access to essential vaccines for Territorians.

 

“The current measles alert in the NT is a timely reminder of the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccination and catching up on missed doses,” she continued.

 

“By empowering pharmacists to authorise and administer an expanded range of vaccines, including NIP vaccines like RSV, the Northern Territory Government is leveraging the expertise of pharmacists to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved communities”, Dr Angley said.

 

PSA has long advocated for the expansion of pharmacists’ roles in immunisation, recognising the potential to increase vaccination rates and reduce the burden on other healthcare providers. This change will make it easier for patients to access life-saving vaccines closer to home at their convenience.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, encouraged other Australian states and territories to follow the Northern Territory’s leadership in this area.

 

“Expanding pharmacists’ vaccination authority nationwide will improve vaccination accessibility and immunisation coverage across the country. PSA urges all jurisdictions to consider similar measures, removing barriers such as limitations on vaccine, patient age, funding and location of vaccination,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PSA remains committed to supporting pharmacists in delivering high-quality and accessible healthcare services and will continue to advocate for policies that optimise the role of pharmacists in Australia’s health system.

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

Note: The Professional Practice Standards defines prescribing as ‘an iterative process involving the steps of information gathering, clinical decision-making, communication and evaluation that results in the initiation, continuation or cessation of a medicine. This may differ from the definition provided in the legislation governing the use of medicines in each jurisdiction. Health professionals are advised to review the legislation in effect in the state or territory in which they practice to ensure they understand their legal authorisation to prescribe medicines’.

 

The updated SSTP authorises pharmacists to initiate and administer listed vaccines. This authority does not extend to the issuing of a prescription for dispensing and/or administration of another health practitioner.

 

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In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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