Patients to get Improved Access and Care from Autonomous Pharmacist Prescribing Model

29 OCTOBER 2025

 

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

 

Leading pharmacy organisations have united to recommend a model of pharmacist prescribing that prioritises patient access, safety, and convenience. In a joint open submission to the Pharmacy Board of Australia, AdPha (Advanced Pharmacy Australia), the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) propose a framework that would allow pharmacists to prescribe medicines autonomously, within their scope of practice.

 

The model proposed for Endorsed Pharmacist Prescribing by the Joint Pharmacy Organisations is:

 

Autonomous prescribing where a health professional undertakes prescribing of any scheduled medicine within their individual, self-determined, documented and authorised scope of practice, based on completion of an accredited training course, and delivered in appropriate collaborative relationships with the patient and all other members of the healthcare team.

 

The Joint Pharmacy Organisations’ submission, which should be adopted by the Pharmacy Board in full, would enable qualified pharmacists to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, sell, supply or use Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 8 medicines after completing an approved course.

 

National registration of pharmacists as endorsed prescribers would bring Australia into line with other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand where pharmacist-prescribing has been implemented for 20 years, and, based on evidence internationally and in Australia, results in improved patient safety, quality of care, better access and more efficient use of health system resources.

 

Importantly, the submission calls for collaboration with governments to ensure patients can access their PBS subsidies for medicines prescribed by endorsed pharmacists—removing financial barriers and improving equity in healthcare.

 

By supporting pharmacist prescribing, this unified approach enhances professional accountability while expanding access to safe, effective treatment options—especially for patients in rural, regional, and underserved communities.

 

Pharmacists are highly trained medicines experts, already delivering care across a wide range of settings. Enabling them to prescribe autonomously will:

• Improve access to timely care, especially in underserved communities.
• Reduce pressure on general practice and emergency departments.
• Enhance continuity of care through integrated, patient-centred services.
• Support workforce mobility by removing jurisdictional inconsistencies.
• Deliver significant economic benefits, with modelling showing potential savings of over $600 million annually.

 

The submission draws on extensive evidence from Australian pilots and international models, demonstrating that pharmacist prescribing is safe, effective, and highly valued by patients. It also outlines the readiness of the profession, with accredited training programs already in place, and strong support from state and territory governments.

 

AdPha, the PSA, and the Guild look forward to working with the Pharmacy Board, Governments, and other stakeholders to progress this important reform.

 

 

Attributable quotes:

 

Associate Professor Tom Simpson, President Advanced Pharmacy Australia:

 

“Pharmacist prescribing has already delivered measurable improvements in patient safety, hospital efficiency and medication management across Australia in governed health settings.

 

“From emergency departments to aged care facilities, pharmacists are working collaboratively to reduce medication errors, improve continuity of care and support better health outcomes for patients.

 

“A national endorsement will see consistent benefits for patients and practitioners across all healthcare settings, unlocking the full potential of the pharmacy workforce working to the top of scope in multi-disciplinary teams.”

 

 

 

Professor Trent Twomey, National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia:

 

“Evidence and best practice from across the world, and in Australia, shows that pharmacist prescribing improves patient safety, quality of care and access to timely treatment. Expanding the range of services provided in pharmacy, in line with pharmacist’s skills, training and experience will reduce GP wait times and non-urgent visits to the emergency room.”

 

“Pharmacists are trusted, highly trained primary healthcare professionals ready to do more to support patients with everyday health conditions. Nationally-endorsed pharmacist prescribing will improve access to treatment, relieve pressure on doctors and hospitals, and deliver better value for taxpayers. Ultimately, it will mean healthier Australian communities.

 

 

 

Associate Professor Fei Sim, National President, PSA:

 

“Pharmacists are already playing a vital role in delivering accessible, high-quality care to communities in Australia. A national endorsement for pharmacist prescribing is the next logical step in recognising pharmacists’ expertise and evolving practice to meet the needs and demands of patients and across our health system. This reform will help address workforce shortages, improve access to medicines, and ensure patients receive timely care—especially in rural and regional areas”

 

“The evidence is clear: pharmacist prescribing is safe, effective and improves health. The model provides a framework that is robust and consistent to improve overall capacity of our health system whilst ensuring public safety is upheld. The PSA is proud to support this submission and looks forward to working with the Pharmacy Board of Australia to make endorsed pharmacist prescribing a reality”

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

 

PSA champions pharmacist-led mental health support

22 OCTOBER 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to support Mental Health Month 2025, highlighting the critical role pharmacists play in the early identification and support of mental ill-health in the community. October marks a national effort to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all Australians.

 

PSA’s Medicine Safety: Mental Health Care report which was released in November 2023 highlighted the opportunities for pharmacists to better support Australians using medicines to treat mental health conditions. The report called for improved access to care and investment in quality use of medicines services at critical points of care.

 

Key findings from the report included:

• People with severe mental health conditions have a 12–16-year shorter life expectancy than the general population.
• 18% of Australians use medicines to treat a mental health condition.
• Antidepressants were involved in 31% of medicine-related deaths due to overdose; antipsychotics in 17%.

 

Pharmacists are often the most accessible health professionals in the community and are uniquely placed to connect with people at crucial times, including before a crisis develops and becomes overwhelming.

 

In 2025, PSA has delivered Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to pharmacists and pharmacy staff in South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland through funded projects. The South Australian Government, through the Office of the Chief Pharmacist, commissioned PSA to deliver MHFA training to at least 1,000 participants by May 2026. As of September 2025, 751 participants have completed this training through the project.

 

The impact of this training is evident in practice. Following a recent face-to-face MHFA session, one pharmacist shared:

 

“One of my elderly clients expressed a desire to die. She asked what would happen if she stopped taking her medications. She wanted to ‘just switch herself off’. She is lonely, as her daughter had died last year. I used the skills from the MHFA course to focus on the positives in her life and shared some of my own experiences. I encouraged her to visit the pharmacy regularly to chat as she lives locally. I truly believe I saved a life that morning.”

 

The pharmacist described the training as “brilliant” as it helped them to work through the situation calmly. They expressed deep gratitude to the South Australian Government and the PSA trainer for a life-changing experience.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said pharmacists were among the most accessible health professionals in our communities.   “With the right training and support, they can play a transformative role in recognising early signs of mental ill-health, offering timely care, and guiding people towards the help they need. Their everyday interactions can be life-changing” she said.

 

The Mental Health South Australia Project is continuing until May 2026, offering pharmacists and pharmacy staff across South Australia the opportunity to complete MHFA training. PSA encourages all eligible pharmacists whether in community, general practice, or aged care settings to take advantage of this initiative and strengthen their role in supporting mental wellbeing in their communities.

 

PSA also has upskilled 27 pharmacists in Queensland with MHFA training through generous funding from the PSA Foundation. In addition, PSA recently completed the delivery of MHFA training to185 pharmacists and pharmacy staff in a project funded by the WA Mental Health Commission, delivered through digital and face-to-face workshops.

 

Medicine safety: Mental health care report – Pharmaceutical Society of Australia 

Mental Health Month 2025 – Mental Health Coalition of South Australia 

2025 Mental Health Calendar | National Mental Health Commission

 

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Media contact:   Leah Jacobsen   M: 0480 099 798  E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

Celebrating Australia’s pharmacy technicians and assistants

Today, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) proudly celebrates Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants Day, recognising Australia’s dedicated pharmacy support staff who work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations and enhance the quality of care we deliver to patients every day – particularly in rural and regional areas.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS emphasised the critical role that pharmacy technicians and assistants played in supporting clinical services.

 

“As the scope of practice for many pharmacists continues to expand, the role of pharmacy assistants and technicians is becoming even more integral to everything we do. From administrative or backend support to direct patient interactions, their contribution to the overall team capacity and efficiency is invaluable,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Pharmacy technicians and assistants are involved in the operational aspects of pharmacy practice and taking on more direct responsibilities to support the role of pharmacists in clinical settings.
 

“The clinical support technicians and assistants provide allows pharmacists to extend their focus to clinical roles and practising to their full and top of scope, including in the long term management of diseases, preventive health services, and complex medication therapy. Their contributions are vital to the seamless integration of clinical services in our pharmacies, ultimately improving health outcomes for our communities.

 

“As a training and education provider for the pharmacy workforce, PSA appreciates the importance of supporting the technicians and assistants with training and upskilling opportunities, which is why we are investing into this area.”

 

A/Prof Sim encouraged all pharmacists to take a moment today to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of their technicians and assistants.

 

“Whether through a formal recognition event or simply a kind word of appreciation, today is a day to show our gratitude for their vital role in the pharmacy profession,” she said.

“On this Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants Day, the PSA extends its heartfelt thanks to all pharmacy support staff for their tireless efforts and commitment to improving the health and well-being of Australians.”

 

 

ENDS

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen  M: 0480 099 798  E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au

PSA signs agreement to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy

20 OCTOBER 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, marking a significant step for expanding education offerings and professional and practice support for members and the pharmacy profession.

 

PSA’s Board announced negotiations had successfully concluded and, while there are still steps to be completed before the settlement, PSA is focused on how the acquisition will strengthen its leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians. The acquisition allows PSA to grow its industry-leading education and workforce development programs.  The PSA Board is confident this is the right path forward for PSA, its members, and the broader profession.

 

National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the agreement was a transformational opportunity for the future of pharmacy education.

 

“This agreement is a major milestone in our journey to strengthen and unify pharmacy education in Australia,” A/Prof Sim said. “As the custodian for standards and guidelines for professional practice, the acquisition of the College by the PSA is a further strategic step toward building scale, capability, and capacity for pharmacy education in Australia, amidst the fast-evolving practice landscape.

“This agreement reflects our shared intent and commitment to invest in the future of the profession and ensure pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians are supported at every stage of their careers. The acquisition aligns with PSA’s broader strategy to support the profession through a period of significant transformation, including the expansion of scope of practice and increasing demands on the healthcare system.

 

“This is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for pharmacy education, so we can do more for our members. As the peak body representing all pharmacists in Australia, PSA continues to represent pharmacists across the profession and their interests, whilst continuing our commitment to uphold and support high standards of practice. We are proud to lead this work and look forward to continuing to support our members with the highest quality education and professional development,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

PSA will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the transition process, with a focus on continuity, quality, and innovation in education delivery.

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Media contact:   David Westman   M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

Funding available for Pharmacists’ training to deliver expanded care under new SA Government initiative

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the South Australian Government’s announcement yesterday of a comprehensive training support package to help community pharmacists deliver expanded healthcare services across the state. This initiative includes government subsidies of up to $8,500 towards costs of postgraduate training, enabling pharmacists to assess and treat a broader range of conditions including ear infections, shingles, wound management, acne, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, and muscle and joint pain.

 

The Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton announced one training option for SA pharmacists would be a Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing, offered by Adelaide University. PSA is seeking SA Health approval for its Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program. The training ensures national consistency by aligning with national standards and guidelines and will include content tailored for SA pharmacists, aligning with the regulatory and legislative framework underpinning expanded scope of practice.

 

PSA SA/NT President Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS said the announcement was a significant step forward in recognising pharmacists as accessible, highly trained healthcare professionals.

 

“This is a landmark moment for pharmacy in South Australia,” Prof Angley said. “Empowering pharmacists to deliver more frontline care means patients can access timely treatment close to home, particularly in areas where GP services are stretched or unavailable. Pharmacists are ready and willing to take on this expanded scope.  PSA is proud to be a leading provider of pharmacist education and training, including our prescribing program, and is committed to supporting pharmacists through high-quality education and training. We look forward to working with the South Australian Government and other stakeholders to ensure pharmacists are supported to deliver these services safely and confidently.”

 

The initiative builds on the success of existing pharmacist-led services in South Australia, including vaccination, oral contraceptive resupply, and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Data shows a 27% reduction in metropolitan hospital presentations for UTIs since the pharmacy service began.

 

“We’ve already seen the impact of pharmacist-led care in reducing emergency department presentations and improving access to timely treatment,” Prof Angley said. “This expansion will further strengthen the role of community pharmacists in delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred care.”

 

For more information on PSA’s prescribing training program, visit: https://www.psa.org.au/career-and-support/pharmacist-prescribing-training/

 

Media contact:   M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

ACT pharmacists empowered to deliver more care

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the ACT Government’s announcement to expand pharmacist scope of practice, enabling pharmacists to deliver more accessible care to Canberrans.

 

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said trained pharmacists would be able to provide a broader range of services to manage common conditions such as mild musculoskeletal pain, reflux, rhinitis, acne, and nausea. These services build on existing pharmacist-led care for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), resupply of the oral contraceptive pill, and skin conditions.

 

The Pharmacist Vaccination Standards will also be amended to allow pharmacists and interns to administer influenza vaccines to children aged two and older, lowering the current minimum age from five. Importantly, the Government has confirmed that Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods (MPTG) licensing requirements will be streamlined, with pharmacists expected to deliver UTI and OCP services without the need for additional licensing by the end of 2025. Access to expanded skin condition services is anticipated to follow in early 2026.

 

PSA ACT President Erin Cooper said the announcement was a significant step forward in improving access to care for Canberrans.

 

“We warmly welcome and congratulate the ACT Government on this important initiative,” Ms Cooper said.  “Pharmacists are trusted, accessible health professionals who are ready to do more. These changes will make it easier for families to access timely care close to home.  This is a win for patients and a win for the ACT health system. We look forward to working with the government to ensure pharmacists are supported with the training and resources needed to deliver these services safely and effectively.”

 

The PSA continues to lead national efforts to support pharmacist scope of practice reform, ensuring pharmacists can meet the evolving health needs of their communities.

 

Media contact:   M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

Pharmacists and industry unite in parliament to champion quality use of medicines

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Consumer Healthcare Products Australia (CHP Australia) came together at the Australian Parliament House on Tuesday 7 October to highlight their shared commitment to improving medicines safety and promoting the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) across Australia. Pharmacists play a vital role in helping Australians use prescription and non-prescription medicines safely and effectively, supported by a consumer healthcare industry that empowers people to make informed self-care decisions.

 

The Self-Care Opportunity Report shows three in five Australians (58%) rely on pharmacist advice about non-prescription medicines. Yet one in four (25%) do not know what an active ingredient is, and over half (54%) don’t keep an up-to-date medicines list.

 

Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, National President of PSA said pharmacists were essential to ensuring medicines safety and equitable access to care.

 

“Quality use of medicines and medicines safety is Australia’s 10^th National Health Priority Area,” she said. “Medicines are used in every part of our health system. Every day, pharmacists play an irreplaceable role in promoting the safe and effective use of medicines and vaccines. As the government-recognised national peak body representing all 41,000 registered pharmacists in Australia and the signatory to the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice with the Australian Government, the PSA is committed to supporting the workforce to deliver high quality professional care.”  

 

CHP Australia CEO, Judy Stenmark, said the partnership highlighted the role of collaboration in improving health literacy and supporting consumer self-care.

 

“Over-the-counter and non-prescription medicines and products play a vital role in helping Australians manage their health and wellbeing,” she said. “By partnering with PSA, we are helping ensure consumers have access to accurate information and professional support to use these products safely and effectively, across a wide range of medical and community settings.”

 

Together, PSA and CHP Australia are driving a national conversation about the Quality Use of Medicines, championing the vital role of pharmacists and the consumer healthcare industry in keeping Australians safe and well. By combining their expertise in professional practice, education and consumer engagement, the two organisations are calling for continued collaboration across government and the health sector to put medicines safety and informed self-care at the heart of Australia’s healthcare future.

 

 

Think Health, Think Pharmacist!: Pharmacists key to a stronger health system

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is celebrating the contribution of pharmacists across Australia’s healthcare system this World Pharmacists Day (September 25) and calls for governments and stakeholders to embrace the skills and knowledge of pharmacists as the health system evolves to meet the ballooning health needs of the Australian population.

 

More than 40,000 registered pharmacists in Australia contribute daily to the provision of high-quality clinical care to the Australian population in primary care, hospital, and community settings.  This collective contribution makes the use of medicines safer across the whole medicine management cycle – from patient assessment and prescribing through to medicine review.

 

However, to support the increasingly complex health needs of Australia’s ageing population, the knowledge and skills of pharmacists are needed in more primary and tertiary care settings and available more consistently.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said enabling pharmacists to provide timely, equitable and affordable services to the public, including in underserved areas, was the key to strengthen our entire health system and provide better health outcomes for Australians.

 

“While most people know pharmacists practise in community pharmacies and hospitals, an increasing number of pharmacists now practise in general practice, aged care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, consultancy, academia and a whole range of non-clinical roles linked to quality use of medicines,” she said.

 

“No matter their area of practice or stages of career, pharmacists should know that their work is appreciated and celebrated. On behalf of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, we thank all pharmacists for what they do, day-in-day-out, supporting our patients and communities.

 

“We need to empower pharmacists in community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy to do more for patients, utilising the full breadth and depth of their skills and knowledge. We also need much wider adoption of pharmacists in team-care based roles in primary care.

 

“To achieve this, pharmacists must be supported with expanded prescribing rights, deeper integration into multidisciplinary teams, and greater involvement in chronic disease management.

 

“Medicines are the most common intervention in health care; and pharmacists are the medicines experts. Pharmacists are needed wherever medicines are prescribed, dispensed, administered or reviewed. This is why the theme ‘Think Health, Think Pharmacist’ for World Pharmacist’s Day today is so important.”

 

A/Prof Sim reflected that many of the health challenges facing Australia, such as medicines safety, access to care, and antimicrobial resistance, were shared around the world.

 

“We also share many of the same goals, such as a strong, sustainable health system, and access to care where and when it is needed. Achieving these goals will deliver better outcomes for patients in any country,” she said.

 

“On this day, I acknowledge the work of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and our pharmacist colleagues around the world.”

 

Media contact: David Westman  M: 0480 099 798  E: david.westman@psa.org.au

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.