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Media statement: Vaping reform legislation

26 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the passing of reforms today that aim to shut down the retail model of vape supply in Australia.

 

The legislation which has now passed the Senate defines the minimum legal requirements for prescribing as a Pharmacist Only Medicine (Schedule 3). In addition, pharmacists will be expected to adhere to PSA’s Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support, which will be updated prior to 1 October 2024.

 

While the amendments to the legislation are not PSA’s preferred approach, we also recognise the need for strong action to address the vaping public health crisis, and this starts with ending retail supply of vapes.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:


“PSA has consistently called for strong action to address the public health crisis that vaping has become.

 

“While this is not our preferred model, PSA remains firm in the belief that something needed to be done to prevent another generation of Australians to becoming addicted to nicotine and experiencing the health consequences of vaping.

 

“Once legislation has passed both houses, our focus will be firmly on supporting pharmacists through these changes.

 

“PSA will work with government to support the pharmacists who choose to be involved in the prescribing and dispensing of nicotine-containing therapeutic vapes. PSA will develop best-practice guidelines to describe how pharmacists prescribe products for smoking cessation products, including nicotine-containing therapeutic vapes.

 

“People will not be able to simply buy vapes on request – they must take part in a therapeutic consultation with a pharmacist who will prescribe a therapy based on clinical need.  It will be very different to how Australians are currently buying vapes.

 

“The coming months will be critical in ensuring pharmacists and the community have a clear understanding of how this model will work as a health-based approach to nicotine dependence management.”​

 

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

PSA position on proposed vaping reforms

25 June 2024

 

Based on current information, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is not supportive of proposed amendments to the Therapeutic Goods and other Legislation (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 which are before Parliament this week.

If the proposed amendment to downschedule nicotine vaping products becomes part of the final legislation, there would not be an adequate transition of nicotine-vaping being a retail product to it becoming a health-care professional prescribed tool to support smoking cessation.

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:

“Vaping is a public health crisis; It has unique harms which are different from tobacco smoking, and we share the government’s concerns that another generation is becoming dependent on nicotine.

“Doing nothing is not an option – and therefore, we continue to support the government’s intent as outlined in the original vaping reform legislation.

“Further, PSA continues to strongly support the government’s intent to limit the supply of vaping and removing vapes from retail settings.

“However, the amendment proposed undermines the role of pharmacists as health care professionals.

“The amendment – if it was to pass the Senate in its current form – asks pharmacists to prescribe unapproved, unregulated, untested vaping products to the public.

“This would not represent a health model. Pharmacist Only Medicines are pharmacist-prescribed medicines, which include a consultation with patients to establish therapeutic need. Not having patient information recorded in the prescribing of nicotine-containing vapes is inconsistent with the normal provision of health care.

“We cannot and do not support positioning pharmacists as retailers rather than health professionals.

“Pharmacists can and should be involved in harm minimisation and nicotine dependence management, but in the absence of a TGA-approved product, effective clinical governance framework and evidence-based clinical guidelines supporting their use, we cannot embed a therapeutic model of prescribing vapes.

“PSA’s role is to support pharmacists to practise and perform their clinical tasks professionally and ethically. PSA will, in good faith, continue to have constructive discussions with stakeholders on this important public health issue.

“PSA maintains support for the original intent of the Bill, to limit the supply of therapeutic vapes through prescription only and taking them out of the hands of children.”

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

PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant recipients announced

24 June 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the recipients of the second annual PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant.

This grant provides a unique opportunity for recipients to attend the PSA National Conference in Sydney from 2-4 August, supporting the continued professional development of First Nations pharmacists.

 

Inspired and supported by Professor McMillan herself, the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant is awarded each year to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pharmacists to attend Australia’s leading pharmacist education conference hosted by PSA.

 

Thanks to the generosity of this year’s grant sponsors Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte, and AstraZeneca, PSA is proudly supporting three pharmacists to attend PSA24.

The recipients of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant for 2024 are:

  • Timothy Hockam
  • Elizabeth Dening
  • Kirralee Natty

 

Quotes attributable to Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS:

“Congratulations to all the recipients. Belonging is such a critical aspect of being part of a profession, and the relationship with PSA provides a sense of belonging. I hope all the recipients enjoy every aspect of PSA24, and I look forward to seeing them there.”

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS:

 

“As we celebrate the recipients of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, PSA reaffirms our commitment to nurturing diversity and inclusion within the pharmacy profession.

 

“Supporting First Nations pharmacists is not just about equity; it’s about recognising and harnessing the unique perspectives and contributions they bring to the healthcare landscape.

“Congratulations to Timothy, Elizabeth and Kirralee, we are excited to have you as part of this year’s conference.”

Quotes attributable to Marketing Manager of Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte Joan Isaac:

“We are proud sponsors of the PSA Faye McMillan Grant, recognising the remarkable achievements of Indigenous pharmacists like Professor Faye McMillan in advancing healthcare equity. By supporting this initiative, Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte affirm our dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the pharmacy profession, ensuring culturally sensitive care for all.

 

“As leading providers of innovative healthcare solutions for Australian families, Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte are honoured to sponsor the PSA Faye McMillan Grant. This sponsorship reflects our commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists to attend the PSA National Conference, contributing to discussions on improving Indigenous healthcare and building a more representative pharmacy workforce for the benefit of all Australians.”

Quotes attributable to Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand Ben McDonald:

“Pharmacists are critical to providing front line health care to communities across Australia. Increasing the representation of pharmacists who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is crucial in supporting and delivering culturally appropriate health care.

“AstraZeneca is proud to support the ongoing professional development of First Nations pharmacists by partnering with the PSA’s Faye McMillan Conference Grant.”

 

PSA24 is a premier platform for pharmacists to exchange knowledge, foster collaborations, and explore innovations shaping the future of healthcare. With the support of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, these exceptional pharmacists will have the opportunity to engage with peers, expand their skill sets, and contribute to advancing pharmacy practice in Australia.

About Professor Faye McMillan AM

Professor Faye McMillan AM is a Wiradjuri yinaa (woman) originally from Trangie, NSW. She is a dedicated community pharmacist and is recognised as the first Indigenous Australian to hold a western degree in pharmacy in this country.

 

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

PSA, PDL partner to launch conference volunteer award

21 June 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) have joined forces to deliver National Conference Volunteer Program, giving pharmacy students from universities around the country the chance to connect with their peers and experience one of Australia’s leading pharmacy conferences.

 

As part of the program one outstanding student volunteer will receive the PDL PSA Conference Volunteer of the Year award, and a $500 contribution toward further education.

 

National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS launched PSA’s partnership with PDL, welcoming the opportunity to thank and celebrate PSA24’s student volunteers.

 

“Our student volunteers make a huge difference to our conferences,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“We are proud to not only provide students with the opportunity to experience the conference, but also to offer a tailored volunteer program including an interactive education session with PDL as part of their experience.

 

“We are thrilled to also be able to join PDL to recognise the hard work and dedication of PSA24’s student volunteers. On behalf of PSA I express our gratitude to PDL for their ongoing support of the pharmacy profession, including the future pharmacists who volunteer with us at PSA24.

 

PDL Chair Paul Naismith MPS looks forward to PSA24 and supporting the student volunteers.

 

“We are delighted to partner with PSA for their national conference volunteer program. Student volunteers play a key role in running pharmacy conferences, and we look forward to awarding an outstanding volunteer at PSA24.

 

“PDL is pleased to support initiatives that help students get involved in the profession.”

 

Attendees will be able to nominate student volunteers throughout the conference, with the award presented at Sunday’s closing plenary.

 

 

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

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