1. Obtain an Opioid Dependency Treatment Centre Licence 

To supply methadone or buprenorphine (including buprenorphine-naloxone), or administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine, pharmacists must apply to the Health Protection Service (HPS) to obtain an Opioid Dependency Treatment Centre Licence. 

• ACT Opioid Maintenance Treatment 

2. Familiarise yourself with the ACT protocols and guidelines 

The Opioid Maintenance Treatment in the ACT: Local Policies and Procedures can be found in the pharmacist section on the ACT Health website, Opioid Maintenance Treatment. 

All pharmacists dispensing treatment must successfully complete training for the safe administration and dispensing of opioid maintenance treatment. For information on course availability, please contact  Canberra Health Services Alcohol and Drug Services. 

Pharmacists are required to undertake refresher training delivered by ACT Health every 5 years.  

3. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine  

Pharmacists in the ACT may administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) as long as it is within their scope of practice and professional competency to administer, and in accordance with the prescription, as well as completing appropriate training. More information is available at: Pharmacist Vaccinations and Injectables, ACT Health.  

Mandatory training requirements: 

• If you are not a pharmacist immuniser, you must complete an accredited immunisation training course before administering medicines by injection. 

• Complete the Opioid Maintenance Treatment in the ACT – Pharmacist Training Program provided by Canberra Health Services. For information on course availability, please contact  Canberra Health Services Alcohol and Drug Services. 
• Complete accredited clinical training on LAIB, which includes the PSA course: Long-acting injectable buprenorphine administration by pharmacists. 
  • This training is designed for appropriately trained pharmacist immunisers only. 
• Undergo supervised practical injection training for administration of LAIB (this can be coordinated by Canberra Health Services or through a private prescriber/nurse). 

Mandatory additional training: 

• It is also mandatory that you complete the Administering medicines by injection course before administering any medicine by injection. Undergo supervised practical injection training for administration of LAIB. This may be facilitated using a blended model including – attend and observe a public clinic (Canberra Health Service, Alcohol and Drug Service at Building 7 at The Canberra Hospital can facilitate this via appointment only) or observe a private prescriber/nurse currently providing this service.
   

Other requirements: 

• Be familiar, and practice in accordance with the PSA Guidelines for pharmacists administering medicines by injection
• Injectable services provided by pharmacists should only be provided in a safe, clean environment for the benefit of both the pharmacist and patient. These services should be provided in a closed consultation room.
• Pharmacists administering LAIB must electronically document the administration of the medicine and provide documentation to the patients LAIB prescriber.

4. Use language that reduces stigma 

The language pharmacists use when providing Opioid Dependency Treatment is critical to reduce stigma.

“The Power of Words practical guide and desktop flip book are designed to support healthcare and other professionals working with people who use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. 

Stigma is a common and complex problem for people who use alcohol and other drugs. The World Health Organization has ranked illegal drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.” 

Download the Power of Words resource here. 

5. Provide relevant Self Care Cards to people seeking treatment for opioid dependence 

PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The below fact cards provide information for individuals on drug overdose, methadone & buprenorphine, and safer injecting practices, as well as links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention. 

• Drug Overdose 

• Methadone and buprenorphine 
• Safer injecting practices 

The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below. 

6. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program 

Opioid overdose is a major cause of harm and death in Australia. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist, registered by the TGA for the reversal of opioid overdose. Increasing access to naloxone for people who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose is an important strategy to prevent and respond to opioid harm and death. 

The Take Home Naloxone Program fully subsidises the cost of naloxone, including dispensing fee, to participating community pharmacies. A PBS prescription is not required.  

Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program through the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA) here. 

Learn more about the naloxone and why you should talk to your patients about naloxone from Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, education and research centre.  

7. Register for the Needle & Syringe Program 

The Needle and Syringe program aims to minimise the transmission of blood borne viruses amongst people who inject drugs.  

More information on the Needle & Syringe Program is available here, and locations/information on current providers is available here. 

8. Do you have more questions? 

PSA Members can call the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line on 1300 369 772 for professional advice and support. 

For specific advice on Opioid Maintenance Treatment, pharmacists can contact the Canberra Health Services Alcohol and Drug Services, Alcohol & Drug Intake & Helpline on (02) 5124 9977.  

Keep up to date on the latest information on OTP programs in the ACT as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership! 

1. Register your pharmacy details with the Queensland Opioid Treatment Program (QOTP) 

If your pharmacy wishes to become involved in delivering this important public health program, email Queensland Health at QOTP@health.qld.gov.au with the following information: 

• Pharmacy name 
• Pharmacy business address 
• Pharmacy phone number 

2. Familiarise yourself with the QLD protocols and guidelines 

Extensive information and resources are available on the QOTP website. Some key resources are outlined below: 

• Queensland Opioid Dependence Treatment Guidelines 2023 
• Fact sheet – Pharmacist Administration of Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine 
• Queensland Health Departmental Standard – Monitored medicines 
• Queensland Opioid Treatment Program

3. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine 

Pharmacists in QLD may administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine as long as it is within their scope of practice and professional competency to administer. Pharmacists offering this service must be satisfied that the medicine will be administered safely to the patient. 

Recommended training requirements: 

• Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) administration by pharmacists 

• • This training is designed for appropriately trained pharmacist immunisers only. 
  • If you are not a pharmacist immuniser, you must complete an accredited immunisation training course before administering medicines by injection and before completing the injection course. 
  • It is also recommended that you complete the Administering medicines by injection course before administering any medicine by injection. 

Other requirements: 

• Be familiar, and practice in accordance with the PSA Guidelines for pharmacists administering medicines by injection 

• Pharmacies must have a consultation room that complies with the QLD Extended Practice Authority requirements. 

4. Use language that reduces stigma 

The language pharmacists use when providing Opioid Dependence Treatment is critical to reduce stigma.  

“The Power of Words practical guide and desktop flip book are designed to support healthcare and other professionals working with people who use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. 

Stigma is a common and complex problem for people who use alcohol and other drugs. The World Health Organization has ranked illegal drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.” 

Download the Power of Words resource here. 

5. Provide relevant Self Care Cards to people seeking treatment for opioid dependence 

PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The below fact cards provide information for individuals on drug overdose, methadone & buprenorphine, and safer injecting practices, as well as links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention. 

• Drug Overdose 
• Methadone and buprenorphine 
• Safer injecting practices 

The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below. 

6. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program 

Opioid overdose is a major cause of harm and death in Australia. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist, registered by the TGA for the reversal of opioid overdose. Increasing access to naloxone for people who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose is an important strategy to prevent and respond to opioid harm and death. 

The Take Home Naloxone Program fully subsidises the cost of naloxone, including dispensing fee, to participating community pharmacies. A PBS prescription is not required. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program here. 

Learn more about the naloxone and why you should talk to your patients about naloxone from Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, education and research centre.  

7. Register for the Needle & Syringe Program 

The Needle and Syringe program aims to minimise the transmission of blood borne viruses amongst people who inject drugs.  

Register for the Needle & Syringe Program here. 

8. Do you have more questions? 

PSA Members can call the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line on 1300 369 772 for professional advice and support.

For specific advice on QOTP, pharmacists can contact the Queensland Health via email at QOTP@health.qld.gov.au . 

The Alcohol and Drug Clinical Advisory Service (ADCAS) is a specialist telephone support service for health professionals in Queensland, providing clinical advice regarding the management of patients with alcohol and other drug concerns. This free service is available from 8.00am-11.00pm, 7 days a week. Contact at 1800 290 928. 

Keep up to date on the latest information on OTP programs in QLD as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership! 

1. Apply to become a Pharmacotherapy (opioid replacement therapy) Pharmacy 

To make an application for permission to be a pharmacotherapy supplier, complete the application form available on the Victorian Department of Health website. 

2. Complete the Victorian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program (VOPP) 

The aim of these training programs is to provide pharmacists and pharmacy support staff with the relevant knowledge, skills and tools required to deliver a safe and patient-centred Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT) service. 

The VOPP and LAIB training: 

• are fully funded by the Victorian Department of Health for all pharmacists and pharmacy staff in Victoria 
• have all you need to know about delivering an ORT service 

• help you establish your pharmacy to support patients with an opioid dependence 
• enable you to play a key role in reducing the health, social and economic harms to individuals and the community 

The VOPP will help pharmacists and pharmacy staff identify those who would benefit from pharmacotherapy, engage in a discussion of the benefits of the program in a non-stigmatising manner, and ensure the consistency and quality of services offered. 

The LAIB training will enable pharmacist acquire relevant knowledge and skills to administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine in a safe and patient-focused environment. 

The table below illustrates the training available to pharmacists to: 

NB: VOPP is not a requirement to provide an ORT service, but highly recommended by the Victorian Department of Health. 

NB: VOPP is not a requirement to complete the LAIB training but is highly recommended.  

NB: An accredited injection administration training (i.e. the immunisation training) is a requirement to administer LAIB. The LAIB training is highly recommended, but not a requirement to provide LAIB in Victoria.  

It is also recommended that you complete the Administering medicines by injection course before administering any medicine by injection, as well as, be familiar, and practice in accordance with the PSA Guidelines for pharmacists administering medicines by injection. 

3. Familiarise yourself with the Victorian protocols and guidelines 

Extensive information and resources are available on the Victorian Department of Health website. Some key resources are outlined below: 

• Policy for maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence 
• Pharmacotherapy policy addendum – Long-acting injectable buprenorphine 
• Long-acting injectable buprenorphine – brief clinical guidelines 
• Features of a Victorian pharmacotherapy prescription 

4. Use language that reduces stigma 

The language pharmacists use when providing opioid replacement therapy is critical to reduce stigma.  

“The Power of Words practical guide and desktop flip book are designed to support healthcare and other professionals working with people who use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. 

Stigma is a common and complex problem for people who use alcohol and other drugs. The World Health Organization has ranked illegal drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.” 

Download the Power of Words resource here. 

5. Provide relevant Self Care Cards to people seeking opioid replacement therapy 

PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The below fact cards provide information for individuals on drug overdose, methadone & buprenorphine, and safer injecting practices, as well as links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention. 

• Drug Overdose 
• Methadone and buprenorphine 
• Safer injecting practices 

The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below. 

6. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program 

Opioid overdose is a major cause of harm and death in Australia. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist, registered by the TGA for the reversal of opioid overdose. Increasing access to naloxone for people who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose is an important strategy to prevent and respond to opioid harm and death. 

The Take Home Naloxone Program fully subsidises the cost of naloxone, including dispensing fee, to participating community pharmacies. A PBS prescription is not required. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program here. 

Learn more about the naloxone and why you should talk to your patients about naloxone from Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, education and research centre.  

7. Register for the Victorian Needle & Syringe Program 

The Victorian Needle and Syringe program aims to minimise the transmission of blood borne viruses amongst people who inject drugs.  

Information on the Victorian Needle & Syringe Program is available here. 

8. Do you have more questions? 

PSA Members can call the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line on 1300 369 772 for professional advice and support.  

For specific advice on pharmacotherapy, pharmacists can contact the Victorian Department of Health at pharmacotherapy@health.vic.gov.au.  

For clinical advice – the Victorian Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) is a 24/7 specialist telephone consultancy service that is free of charge for health and welfare professionals. Contact at 1800 812 804. 

Keep up to date on the latest information on OTP programs in Victoria as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership! 

If your pharmacy would like to become involved in delivering MATOD, contact the Drug and Alcohol Services Australia (DASSA) Community Pharmacy MATOD Program Manager (ph. 7425 5000 or email: HealthDASSAPharmacyEnquiries@sa.gov.au) to ensure support, training and education is provided.

1. Familiarise yourself with the SA protocols and guidelines

Extensive information and resources are available on the SA Health website. Some key resources are outlined below:

2. 1. Guidelines for South Australian Pharmacists Dispensing Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence 
   2. Frequently asked questions, MATOD
   3. Community Pharmacy MATOD Program | SA Health 

2. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine

Pharmacists in South Australia cannot administer long-acting injectable depot buprenorphine. Practice Standards will be released in 2025 for the administration of Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB) for South Australian pharmacists. Until then, pharmacists are to make arrangements with prescribers to supply the product directly to the healthcare practitioner who will be administering the injection.

3. Use language that reduces stigma 

The language pharmacists use when providing Opioid Dependence Treatment is critical to reduce stigma.  

“The Power of Words practical guide and desktop flip book are designed to support healthcare and other professionals working with people who use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. 

Stigma is a common and complex problem for people who use alcohol and other drugs. The World Health Organization has ranked illegal drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.” 

Download the Power of Words resource here. 

4. Provide relevant Self Care Cards to people seeking treatment for opioid dependence

PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The below fact cards provide information for individuals on drug overdose, methadone & buprenorphine, and safer injecting practices, as well as links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention. 

• Drug Overdose 
• Methadone and buprenorphine 

• Safer injecting practices 

The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below. 

5. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program 

Opioid overdose is a major cause of harm and death in Australia. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist, registered by the TGA for the reversal of opioid overdose. Increasing access to naloxone for people who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose is an important strategy to prevent and respond to opioid harm and death.

The Take Home Naloxone Program fully subsidises the cost of naloxone, including dispensing fee, to participating community pharmacies. A PBS prescription is not required. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program here. 

Learn more about the naloxone and why you should talk to your patients about naloxone from Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, education and research centre.  

6. Clean Needle Program (CNP) Pharmacy Scheme  

The Clean Needle Program (CNP) Pharmacy scheme aims to minimise the transmission of blood borne viruses amongst people who inject drugs.  

Register for the CNP here.  

7. Do you have more questions? 

PSA Members can call the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line on 1300 369 772 for professional advice and support. 

For specific advice on MATOD from a regulatory perspective, contact the Drugs of Depedence Unit (DDU) on 1300 652 584 or at HealthDrugsofDependenceUnit@sa.gov.au.   

For 24-hour clinical advice from senior medical staff, regarding opioid dependent patients and patients with other drug and alcohol related issues, contact the Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) on (08) 7087 1742. 

Keep up to date on the latest information on OTP programs in SA as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership! 

1. Apply to participate in the WA Community Program for Opioid Pharmacotherapy (CPOP) 

If your pharmacy would like to become involved in delivering CPOP, complete the application form to start the process.  

2. Familiarise yourself with the WA protocols and guidelines 

Extensive information and resources are available on the WA Mental Health Commission website. Some key resources are outlined below: 

• The WA Clinical Policies and Procedures for the Use of Methadone and Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opioid Dependence 

3. Complete training provided by the Government of WA 

All pharmacists working in CPOP pharmacies (including locums) are required to complete the CPOP Pharmacist Training provided by the Government of Western Australia Mental Health Commission. The training is available here.  

4. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB)  

In Western Australia, this Structured Administration and Supply Arrangement (SASA) authorises a registered pharmacist trained in the CPOP to administer LAIB, when requested by the patient and prescriber. The conditions and criteria in the SASA must be met by the administering pharmacist.

It is expected that pharmacists are:

• familiar with and understand the requirements of the WA CPOP and the relevant SASA,
• understand requirements for injection administration by completing an injection/immunisation course approved by the Department of Health. If you are not a pharmacist immuniser, the PSA offers an approved accredited immunisation training course .
• understand the requirements specific to depot buprenorphine treatment and administration by completing the required training provided by CPOP.

It is the responsibility of the pharmacist to complete the expected training and product familiarisation to ensure that they are practising within their field of competency. It is also recommended that pharmacists:

• Complete the Administering medicines by injection course before administering any medicine by injection.
• Be familiar, and practice in accordance with the PSA Guidelines for pharmacists administering medicines by injection

5. Use language that reduces stigma 

The language pharmacists use when providing pharmacotherapy is critical to reduce stigma.  

“The Power of Words practical guide and desktop flip book are designed to support healthcare and other professionals working with people who use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. 

Stigma is a common and complex problem for people who use alcohol and other drugs. The World Health Organization has ranked illegal drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.” 

Download the Power of Words resource here. 

6. Provide relevant Self Care Cards to people seeking treatment for opioid dependence 

PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The below fact cards provide information for individuals on drug overdose, methadone & buprenorphine, and safer injecting practices, as well as links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention. 

• Drug Overdose 
• Methadone and buprenorphine 
• Safer injecting practices 

The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below. 

7. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program 

Opioid overdose is a major cause of harm and death in Australia. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist, registered by the TGA for the reversal of opioid overdose. Increasing access to naloxone for people who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose is an important strategy to prevent and respond to opioid harm and death.

The Take Home Naloxone Program fully subsidises the cost of naloxone, including dispensing fee, to participating community pharmacies. A PBS prescription is not required. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program here. 

Learn more about the naloxone and why you should talk to your patients about naloxone from Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, education and research centre.  

8. Needle & Syringe Program (NSP) 

All Western Australian pharmacies are approved to retail packaged needles and syringes (Fitpack ® and Fitstick ®) under the Pharmacy Registration Board of WA’s approval. 

Should a pharmacy want to retail single needles and syringes accompanied by a disposal container, the pharmacy is required to apply for an NSP approval to do so. 

Apply for a NSP approval here. 

9. Do you have more questions? 

PSA Members can call the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line on 1300 369 772 for professional advice and support.

The Community Pharmacotherapy Program (CPP) provides support, information, advice, training and resources for clients, pharmacists and medical practitioners involved in methadone and buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence throughout WA. Contact via phone on (08) 9273 1907. 

The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS), operating from 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, is a specialist telephone consultancy service that provides clinical advice to health professionals on all issues relating to patient management of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Contact on (08) 6553 0520. 

Keep up to date on the latest information on OTP programs in WA as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership! 

1. Dispensing Opioid Substitution Treatment 

There are no specific requirements or authorisations for pharmacies/pharmacists to dispense Opioid Substitution Treatment in the NT.  

It is recommended that pharmacists are familiar with the National guidelines for medication-assisted treatment of opioid dependence prior to providing this service.  

2. Familiarise yourself with the NT protocols and guidelines 

All information relevant to Opioid Substitution Treatment is available in the Schedule 8 Code of Practice. More guidance for pharmacists on restricted S8 substances is available here.  

Some other useful resources are below: 

• Summary of requirements for prescriptions for Schedule 8 Substances (S8s) 
• Information for patients on S8 medications  

3. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine 

Pharmacists in the NT may administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine where instructed to by the prescriber. Pharmacists offering this service must be satisfied that the medicine will be administered safely to the patient. 

• Recommended training requirements: 

• • Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) administration by pharmacists 
  • This training is designed for appropriately trained pharmacist immunisers only. 
  • If you are not a pharmacist immuniser, you must complete an accredited immunisation training course before administering medicines by injection and before completing the LAIB course. 
  • It is also recommended that you complete the Administering medicines by injection course before administering any medicine by injection. 

• Other requirements: 

• • Be familiar, and practice in accordance with the PSA Guidelines for pharmacists administering medicines by injection 

4. Use language that reduces stigma 

The language pharmacists use when providing Opioid Substitution Treatment is critical to reduce stigma.

“The Power of Words practical guide and desktop flip book are designed to support healthcare and other professionals working with people who use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. 

Stigma is a common and complex problem for people who use alcohol and other drugs. The World Health Organization has ranked illegal drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.” 

Download the Power of Words resource here. 

5. Provide relevant Self Care Cards to people seeking treatment for opioid dependence 

PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The below fact cards provide information for individuals on drug overdose, methadone & buprenorphine, and safer injecting practices, as well as links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention. 

• Drug Overdose 
• Methadone and buprenorphine 
• Safer injecting practices 

The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below. 

6. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program 

Opioid overdose is a major cause of harm and death in Australia. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist, registered by the TGA for the reversal of opioid overdose. Increasing access to naloxone for people who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose is an important strategy to prevent and respond to opioid harm and death. 

The Take Home Naloxone Program fully subsidises the cost of naloxone, including dispensing fee, to participating community pharmacies. A PBS prescription is not required. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program here. 

Learn more about the naloxone and why you should talk to your patients about naloxone from Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, education and research centre.  

7. Register for the Needle & Syringe Program 

The Needle & Syringe Program (NSP) aims to minimise the transmission of blood borne viruses amongst people who inject drugs.  

Register for the NSP here. 

8. Do you have more questions? 

PSA Members can call the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line on 1300 369 772 for professional advice and support. 

For clinical advice – the Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) is a 24/7 specialist telephone consultancy service that is free of charge for health and welfare professionals. Contact at 1800 111 092. 

The NT Department of Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Service can provide advice to pharmacists currently providing an ODT service or looking to implement this service. Contact at: 

• AODTEHS.DoH@nt.gov.au, or 
• 02 8922 8399 

Keep up to date on the latest information on OTP programs in the NT as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership! 

1. Obtain pharmacy approval and pharmacist accreditation to become a dosing site for opioid pharmacotherapy  

Pharmacy Approval: 

• To become a dosing site for opioid pharmacotherapy, a pharmacy requires approval from the Tasmania Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS). In addition, each pharmacist involved in the provision of dosing is required to obtain accreditation.  
• To coordinate approval, contact the ADS on (03) 6230 7983. 

Pharmacist accreditation: 

• To dose pharmacotherapy, pharmacists require to undertake a short professional development program and exam.  
• The ADS recommends this is completed in the intern year.  
• If accreditation has not already been obtained, this will be coordinated by the ADS pharmacist.  

2. Familiarise yourself with Tasmanian protocols and guidelines 

Extensive information and resources are available on the Tasmanian Government Department of Health website. This includes: 

• Tasmanian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program Policy and Clinical Practice Standards 
• Dosing sheets for community pharmacies 

• Depot buprenorphine guidelines for pharmacists 
• Medication administration charts 

3. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine 

Pharmacists in Tasmania may administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine after meeting mandatory requirements set out by the Department of Health. Detailed information on the requirements are available in the Pharmacist Administration of Depot Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opioid Dependence Policy.  

4. Use language that reduces stigma 

The language pharmacists use when providing Opioid Substitution Treatment is critical to reduce stigma. 

“The Power of Words practical guide and desktop flip book are designed to support healthcare and other professionals working with people who use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. 

Stigma is a common and complex problem for people who use alcohol and other drugs. The World Health Organization has ranked illegal drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.” 

Download the Power of Words resource here. 

5. Provide relevant Self Care Cards to people seeking treatment for opioid dependence 

PSA self-care fact cards provide information for individuals about self-care and preventative health. The below fact cards provide information for individuals on drug overdose, methadone & buprenorphine, and safer injecting practices, as well as links to further resources and when individuals should seek medical attention. 

• Drug Overdose 

• Methadone and buprenorphine 
• Safer injecting practices 

The Self Care program is designed for pharmacies to deliver improved health care to consumers. It provides resources and training to educate pharmacy staff, add value to the consumer’s experience, and aims to increase business growth with tailored health promotions and resources. To learn more click the button below. 

6. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program 

Opioid overdose is a major cause of harm and death in Australia. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist, registered by the TGA for the reversal of opioid overdose. Increasing access to naloxone for people who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose is an important strategy to prevent and respond to opioid harm and death. 

The Take Home Naloxone Program fully subsidises the cost of naloxone, including dispensing fee, to participating community pharmacies. A PBS prescription is not required. Register for the Take Home Naloxone Program here. 

Learn more about the naloxone and why you should talk to your patients about naloxone from Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, education and research centre.  

7. Register for the Needle & Syringe Program 

The Needle & Syringe Program (NSP) aims to minimise the transmission of blood borne viruses amongst people who inject drugs.  

Register for the NSP here. 

8. Pharmacy Incentive Program 

To support community pharmacies to provide OTP services, the Tasmanian Department of Health has an incentive scheme for community pharmacies that provides additional funding. For further information, contact adstopp@dhhs.tas.gov.au.  

9. Do you have more questions? 

PSA Members can call the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line on 1300 369 772 for professional advice and support.  

For clinical advice – the Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) is a 24/7 specialist telephone consultancy service that is free of charge for health and welfare professionals. Contact at 1800 111 092. 

Keep up to date on the latest information on OTP programs in Tasmania, as well as many other important practice specific issues – renew your PSA membership! 

Medicines and poisons legislation

• Poison and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966
• Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008

Continued dispensing

• COVID-19 regulatory changes | Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (psa.org.au)

Other relevant state or territory legislation

• NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards

Medicines and poisons legislation

• Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012
• Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulations 2014

Continued dispensing

• COVID-19 regulatory changes | Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (psa.org.au)

Other relevant state or territory legislation

• Protocol Administration of Vaccine by Pharmacists at Pharmacies
• Protocol Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists at places other than pharmacies

Medicines and poisons legislation

• Medicines and Poisons Act 2019
• Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021

Continued dispensing

• COVID-19 regulatory changes | Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (psa.org.au)

Other relevant state or territory legislation

• Public Health Act 2005
• Extended Practice Authority for Pharmacists

Medicines and poisons legislation

• Controlled Substances Act 1984
• Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011

Continued dispensing

• COVID-19 regulatory changes | Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (psa.org.au)

Other relevant state or territory legislation

• Vaccine Administration Code

Medicines and poisons legislation

• Poisons Act 1971
• Poisons Regulations 2018

Continued dispensing

• COVID-19 regulatory changes | Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (psa.org.au)

Other relevant state or territory legislation

• Tasmanian Immunisation Program Guidelines

Medicines and poisons legislation

• Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
• Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017

Continued dispensing

• COVID-19 regulatory changes | Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (psa.org.au)

Other relevant state or territory legislation

• Victorian Pharmacist-Administered Vaccination Program Guidelines

Medicines and poisons legislation

• Medicines and Poisons Act 2014
• Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016

Continued dispensing

• COVID-19 regulatory changes | Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (psa.org.au)

Other relevant state or territory legislation

• Structured Administration and Supply Arrangements