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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

Changes to paracetamol scheduling will reduce risk of harm to children and adolescents

31 January 2025

 

Paracetamol is one of the medicines most frequently responsible for hospital admissions due to poisoning, a new report from the peak body for Australian pharmacists has found, with approximately 16 per cent of pharmaceutical poisoning hospital admissions in children under five years of age being attributed to paracetamol.

 

The Medicine safety: Children and adolescent care report released by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia today further reveals that an estimated 93 children present to Australia’s emergency departments each day due to medicine-related problems, with approximately 40 admitted to hospitals. At least half of these incidents are preventable.

 

The report comes as federal government changes to paracetamol pack sizes come into effect, limiting the amount of paracetamol stored in Australian households and reducing the risk of intentional and unintentional harm including in children and adolescents. PSA joined Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney at Westgarth Pharmacy in Melbourne to launch the report and discuss paracetamol changes.

 

Effective from 1 February 2025, general sale pack sizes available from supermarkets or grocery stores will be reduced from 20 to 16 tablets, and Pharmacy Medicine packs will be limited to 50 tablets, with larger packs requiring pharmacist supervision (Pharmacist Only Medicine).

 

Paracetamol tablets in general sale packs and Pharmacy Medicine packs will also be required to be in blister packaging. Blister packaging can reduce overdose and impulsive attempts to self-harm by slowing the consumption of multiple tablets or capsules.

 

As the peak body for all Australian pharmacists, PSA strongly supports the move which will reduce the risk of overdose and poisoning, but there is more to be done.

 

 

 

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

 

“The sobering reality is that we are leaving our kids vulnerable to harm, particularly when it comes to common medicines around the house.

 

“By limiting the maximum pack sizes of paracetamol, we are opening the door to have a conversation about the risks and benefits of these medicines – both in the pharmacy and at home – and take steps as a community to promote the safe use of medicines.

 

“By involving pharmacists in the supply of larger paracetamol pack sizes, we strike the right balance between access and safety, giving pharmacists and pharmacy assistants the opportunity to help patients manage their pain effectively while reducing the risk of misuse and harm.

 

“As the peak body for all pharmacists in all areas of practice, PSA continues to advocate for pharmacists to be further empowered in their roles as medicine safety experts. This includes the recommendations PSA makes in our report, from implementing a national reporting system for medicine safety incidents, to increasing the availability of pharmacists in children’s hospital wards.

 

“It takes all of us, across health professions, communities and policymakers, to make a difference to the children and adolescents who rely on our care.”

 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP:

 

“Each year in Australia around 225 people are hospitalised with liver injury and 50 people die from paracetamol overdose. To think of so many young lives lost is heartbreaking.

 

“The TGA’s decision to limit the size of paracetamol packs struck a balance between protecting young Australians from harm while also ensuring those in pain can access the medicine. My thanks to the TGA for its sensible and measured decision, and to the pharmacists and retailers around the country who have responded so robustly.”

 

Key findings from the Medicine safety: Children and adolescent care report:

  • Medicine-related problems in children and adolescents cost the Australian economy at least $130 million annually.
  • An estimated 93 children present to Australia’s emergency departments each day due to medicine-related problems, with approximately 40 admitted to hospitals. At least half of these incidents are preventable.
  • Paracetamol is responsible for approximately 16 per cent of pharmaceutical poisoning hospital admissions in children under five years of age.
  • Poisoning by non-opioid analgesics, antipyretics or antirheumatics was the leading cause of admission, with paracetamol accounting for at least 85% of the cases within this group.

 

The full Medicine safety: Children and adolescent care report is available here.

 

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

Assistant Minister Kearney media contact: Isabella Tilley 0414 894 040

PSA set to negotiate and sign new pharmacy programs agreement

31 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are set to negotiate the first dedicated agreement on pharmacy programs with the Australian Government. PSA will be signatory to this agreement.

 

The agreement will cover a range of pharmacy programs that no longer sit within the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, including but not limited to medication management programs (including Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs, and rural support programs that encompass pharmacists in a range of practice areas.

 

The new agreement will see PSA and the Commonwealth work together, alongside other pharmacy stakeholders, to strengthen programs that pharmacists deliver across the health system.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the agreement was an opportunity to reform programs to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, now and into the future.

 

“PSA is the recognised peak body for all pharmacists, in all areas of practice across our health system. This agreement is an opportunity to reform program rules and funding arrangements to maximise the impact of pharmacists across the health sector,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“In negotiating a standalone agreement with the Australian Government, we are advocating for the changes we have long known need to happen, allowing pharmacists to best serve our communities.

 

“Members will be aware that following PSA’s advocacy, the government confirmed in late 2024 that these programs would have ongoing funding beyond the current financial year. Now that there is security of funding for these programs, our focus turns to removing the barriers that have prevented pharmacists from playing a greater role in patient care.”

 

As signatory to the new agreement, PSA will be seeking feedback from pharmacists and stakeholders on program arrangements and barriers.

 

“I encourage every pharmacist involved in these programs to have their say so that we can provide a full picture of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for pharmacists to provide better care for patients.

 

“PSA looks forward to continuing our work with the federal government to secure a stronger pharmacy profession now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA consultant pharmacist adviser Debbie Rigby FPS also welcomed the announcement.

 

“As the home for credentialed pharmacists, it’s important that PSA is the organisation leading these discussions,” Ms Rigby said.

 

“I’m excited to be part of PSA’s team, advocating for improvements to these programs. As someone with a deep understanding of the current programs, I am committed to raising awareness of the benefits of these programs and further enhancing outcomes for patients.”

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

Nearly 34,000 children presenting to emergency departments each year due to medicine problems, new report finds

31 January 2025

 

An estimated 93 children present to Australia’s emergency departments each day due to medicine-related problems, with approximately 40 admitted to hospitals, according to a new report from the peak body for Australian pharmacists.

 

The Medicine safety: Child and adolescent care report released by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia today reveals the extent of medicine-related problems in children and adolescents, costing the Australian economy at least $130 million each year.

 

In the past six months alone, approximately 120,000 Australian children under 14 years old have experienced an adverse event due to medicines.

 

The report calls for Australia’s health system to be better equipped to deal with medicine safety challenges, with recommendations for action including the implementation of a national incident reporting and learning system, so that when children are harmed by medicines, health professionals and systems learn how to prevent another child suffering the same harm. This would bring Australia in line with many of our international peers, including Canada who have had the Assurance and Improvement in Medication Safety (AIMS) program in place since 2019.

 

Further recommendations also call for increased availability of pharmacists in paediatric wards of hospitals, as well as mandatory indication on prescriptions for children and adolescents, and mandatory manual dose checks during dispensing of paediatric prescriptions.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the report’s findings painted a sobering reality of medicine use in Australia’s children and adolescents, showing the urgent need for reform.

 

“As the peak body for all pharmacists in all areas of practice, PSA continues to advocate for pharmacists to be further empowered in their roles as medicine safety experts.

 

“Our health system is failing children and adolescents. As a health community, we must commit to doing better, but we also need to be given the resources and tools to do better. Pharmacists are critical to ensure the safe use of medicines and must be supported to do so.

 

“That means adequately staffing children’s hospital wards with the expertise of pharmacists, investing in systems that capture the data needed for evidence-based policy, and improving the quality use of medicines whenever medicines are used.

 

“It takes all of us, across all areas of practice and indeed across all health professions, to make a difference to the children and adolescents who rely on our care,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

The full Medicine safety: Child and adolescent care report is available at www.psa.org.au/medicine-safety-child-adolescent-care-report/

 

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

PSA announce intent to acquire Australasian College of Pharmacy

28 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Board has today announced plans to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, further growing PSA’s leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians.

 

The Australasian College of Pharmacy (the College) is a member-based organisation developing and delivering education, training, and research programs to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants since 1976.

 

The decision to acquire the College is part of the PSA Board’s broader plan to maximise member value through growth, expanding education opportunities for the profession, and securing a long-term, sustainable future for PSA as the premier training and education provider for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians.

 

PSA’s acquisition of the College builds on its long history of high-quality, nation-leading education and training for pharmacists, allowing further investment in professional and practice support for members.

 

The PSA Board has carefully considered the impact of acquiring the College, and alongside independent advice from third-party experts the 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 acquisition will be a transformational opportunity to grow PSA’s industry-leading education and workforce development offer.

 

“The PSA Board’s strategic decision to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy secures a long-term future for pharmacy workforce education. It puts PSA in a stronger representative and financial position to support and advocate for our members during this pivotal time of practice change in pharmacy,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Along with the PSA Board, I fully understand the challenges pharmacists are facing, as we transition to full scope of practice and our roles become increasingly demanding.

Growing our footprint within pharmacy education means we can further invest in not only education, but also the professional and practice support PSA provides. As our profession continues to mature, this unity will provide the necessary strength our profession needs at this critical time of change to fully utilise our skills and expertise.

 

“We are ambitious about our future growth as an organisation, as the peak education and representative body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“We look forward to being able to provide even more education opportunities and support to pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians, strengthening our pharmacy profession and ultimately improving care for our patients,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

ACP Chief Executive Officer Amanda Seeto said the College and the PSA had always shared a commitment to providing contemporary education and training in a format that is accessible, efficient, and most importantly – highly relevant to Australian pharmacists.

 

“This exciting and pragmatic change maximises the focus on world-leading professional development for Australian pharmacists, no matter their practice setting or career stage.

 

“The move will set our sector up for success, at a time when pharmacy is becoming an increasingly valued frontline health service.”

 

PSA members are set to vote on matters relating to the acquisition at an upcoming meeting.

 

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