PSA welcomes interstate prescribing for Tasmanian patients
5 February 2026
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the earlier announcement from Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, that Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense most prescriptions issued by interstate practitioners from 16 February 2026.
The announcement follows the passing of the Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Bill through the Tasmanian Legislative Council in December 2025.
From 16 February, Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense interstate prescriptions for controlled drugs, provided the prescription complies with Tasmanian regulation requirements.
This includes psychostimulant medications, commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medicinal cannabis, opioid analgesics, and benzodiazepines.
Tasmanian Branch President, Joanne Gross MPS, was pleased with Bridget Archer’s announcement.
“On behalf of Tasmanian pharmacists, we thank Minister Archer for this regulatory change. This will reduce the stress on Tasmanians requiring care from interstate prescribers and interstate travellers who require treatment with Schedule 8 and Schedule 4 Declared medicines,” she said.
“PSA has a long history of advocating for the harmonisation of regulations and legislation across the country. We’re glad that this barrier on Tasmanian and interstate travellers has been removed, ensuring patients can access essential medicines.”
More information following the changes can be accessed here: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/interstate-prescribing-tasmania
Media contact: Leah Jacobsen
M: 0480 099 798 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.
