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PSA welcomes 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, and enters into Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice

3 June 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement today that the Australian Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia has finalised the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement. PSA welcomes the certainty the 8CPA brings to the community pharmacy sector, and confidence it brings to the viability of Australia’s community pharmacies.

 

For the last 12 months, the community pharmacy sector has had uncertainty. The 8CPA delivers funding boost of $3billion for community pharmacy activities, certainty of funding for dose administration aids, staged supply, MedsChecks and the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance.

 

PSA has also announced the signing of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice was signed in Canberra today by National President A/Prof Fei Sim and the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler.

 

The key Strategic Agreement with the Australian Government contains a program of work to deliver contemporary fundamental standards and guidelines that define pharmacy practice across all areas of practice.

 

Together, both agreements secure the most significant federal government commitment to supporting professional pharmacy practice in history, lifting the bar in quality of care and breadth of services delivered by pharmacists across the health system.

 

Discussions will continue for programs not contained in the 8CPA, including those delivered by pharmacists in all other areas of practice. PSA looks forward to leading further engagement with government in relation to these programs during the remainder of 2024.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:

 

“On behalf of our members, PSA welcomes the signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement for the certainty it provides the sector. The funding committed by the Albanese government in the 8CPA is positive for community pharmacies and will result in more accessible care for patients through a strong, thriving and viable community pharmacy network.

 

“In particular, I thank Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler for his commitment, alongside PSA, to continue advancing the profession through a key Strategic Agreement on pharmacy practice.

 

“PSA’s intent through its negotiations with government is to ensure pharmacists are supported to do what they do best – support the health and wellbeing of Australians through providing access to health care and making the use of medicines safer.

 

“PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice acknowledges that the role of pharmacists is changing and evolving, and with that comes the need to further develop the fundamental guidelines that underpin all elements and areas of pharmacy practice. This will ensure pharmacists can continue to deliver high standards and quality services which Australians rely on in a sustainable manner.

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“While today is a milestone in negotiations regarding community pharmacy-delivered programs and services with government, there is more to be done.

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“We are focused in continuing our work with Minister Butler and the Department of Health and Aged Care which will define the design, implementation and evaluation of pharmacist-led programs which are not in the 8CPA.

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“We continue our commitment on supporting the pharmacy workforce through practice support and education which has always been one of the core responsibilities of the PSA.”

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Quotes attributable to PSA Lead Negotiator Dr Shane Jackson:

 

“The 8PCA is a positive outcome for the profession and the Australian community. It will help improve access to care in a sustainable manner.

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“PSA’s strategic agreement focuses on supporting pharmacists, and helping pharmacists demonstrate the value of what we do. It provides a pathway to create data and evidence to demonstrate the need for long-term, continued funding for programs we know are critical to the Quality Use of Medicines.

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“Now that the 8CPA and Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice have been announced, we turn our focus to providing a structure for optimisation of programs no longer contained in the 8CPA, as well as new programs that may be delivered by pharmacists.”

 

 

A copy of the PSA Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice is available on the Department of Health website.

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

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Federal Budget makes medicines more accessible

15 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s 2024-25 federal budget, making healthcare more accessible to Australians through cost-of-living relief and expanded pharmacy programs.

 

Australians will have access to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with a freeze on indexation for at least one year ensuring that the cost of medicines does not rise with the cost of living. On top of this, all PBS medicines dispensed by a community pharmacy, hospital, or approved prescriber will now be covered by the Closing the Gap PBS co-payment, making essential medicines free or cheaper for First Nations people.

 

The government are also set to invest $151.1 million to improve access to dose administration aids (DAAs), lifting the service cap from 60 to 90 services per pharmacy per week.

 

The Budget has also reaffirmed Commonwealth support for the Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program, investing $333.7 million to embed credentialed pharmacists in aged care facilities from 1 July 2024. Critically, the Budget also confirmed funding for pharmacists to deliver vaccination services in aged care and disability homes, actioning one of PSA’s key recommendations in its 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim welcomed the Budget, saying that measures to tackle the cost of healthcare are critical to improving accessibility of care.

 

“Slowing down the rising cost of medicines is essential to ensuring that basic healthcare remains accessible despite the rising cost of living,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Measures like lifting the cap on dose administration aids and investing in PBS medicines access for First Nations people are a step in the right direction, ensuring that support is rightly focused on priority populations.

 

“Closing the Gap must continue to be a priority for the entire health sector. PSA continues to promote measures that support greater health outcomes for First Nations people, including improving access to essential medicines.

 

“As negotiations on the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and other agreements continue, PSA is highlighting the importance of funding for the delivery and quality improvement of pharmacist programs to further support patient safety.

 

“We continue to highlight that pharmacists are key to improving Australians ’access to care and quality use of medicines and medicine safety.”

 

Associate Professor Sim also acknowledged the $160 million investment in women’s health initiatives included in this year’s budget.
 

“I sincerely thank Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP for her continued advocacy for women’s health. It is positive to see investment into women’s health in this year’s budget.

 

 

“This is only the start of the journey, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the government, the Department and other stakeholders on this important work. ’

 

“On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists, I commend Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP on delivering today’s Budget.”

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

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Vaping reforms to protect a new generation from nicotine dependence

8 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) joins leading health bodies and the Federal Government in calling for reforms to the sale, supply, manufacture and commercial possession of vapes to pass Parliament.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said Australians do not want to see a new generation of Australians taking up smoking or vaping.

 

“PSA unreservedly supports any measure that reduces the chance of children and young people accessing vapes and support Australia’s world leading approach to tobacco control,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Our priority focus in public health messaging and in policy should continue to be on the harms of cigarette smoking and vaping, particularly to young people and children.

 

“Ensuring convenience stores do not sell vapes and removing the colours and flavourings that appeal to young people are the first steps to reducing the harm of nicotine vapes.

 

“There are no nicotine vaping products on the market that have been tested and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration as safe therapeutic goods, but there are pathways for vaping products to be used as a genuine smoking cessation tool with the support of healthcare professionals.

 

“We need to be clear that vaping is not a ‘safe’ alternative to smoking – we’re already seeing scary short-term effects, not to mention the long-term effects that may emerge in the coming years.

 

“Accessing vaping products through a health professional gives pharmacists the opportunity to provide broader health and smoking cessation support.”

 

PSA is already assisting government with minimising the impacts of vaping in the community.

 

A/Prof Sim said: “PSA is supporting pharmacists across Australia with education and training about our role in vaping and smoking cessation.

 

“There is more work to be done to limit the harm caused by vaping and inhaled nicotine use in general. PSA continues to work with the Federal Government, the Department of Health, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and other stakeholders to ensure that pharmacists have all necessary resources and education to support vaping reform,” A/Prof Sim concluded.
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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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MRNs extended for credentialing transition

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the extension of Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) to support credentialed pharmacists to continue providing MMR services during the transition to a new credentialing system.

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The extension was announced today by the Department of Health and Aged Care Assistant Secretary – Pharmacy Branch, David Laffan, in an email to credentialed pharmacists. The move gives pharmacists 12 months to transition to a new credential, including a Medication Management Review (MMR) credential, and an Aged Care credential.

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PSA is set to offer both MMR and Aged Care credentials, as well as offer a pathway for recognition of prior learning to recognise the experience of practising credentialed pharmacists in line with the Accreditation Standards for MMR and Aged Care On-site Pharmacist education programs | Australian Pharmacy Council.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that PSA’s priority and commitment to workforce development have not changed.

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“We have been in discussions with the Department for some time to ensure that transition arrangements are in place to minimise disruption to patient services and allow the existing workforce to continue providing MMR services in the immediate term.

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“I’m pleased to see action from the Department to allow these services to continue.

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A/Prof Sim said that PSA’s credentialing program, which is pending accreditation with the Australian Pharmacy Council, is set to feature ongoing support for credentialed pharmacists and those seeking credentials.

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“PSA continues to approach this fast-moving practice area with the intent to support our workforce, and to ensure that the credentialing and recredentialing process is achievable and affordable.

“All pharmacists who have already undergone credentialing will be able to apply for PSA’s recognition of prior learning as part of the new credentialing process.

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“PSA is proud to offer further support to members, including offering the new MMR credential to currently credentialed pharmacists with recognition of prior learning at no cost for Professional Plus members.

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“This is part of our ongoing support for this workforce, solidifying our place as the home for credentialed pharmacists.”

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

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PSA release pharmacist prescribing position statement

15 April 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has released its Pharmacist Prescribing position statement, highlighting the growing need for pharmacists to practise to their full and top of scope.

 

Ahead of the release of the next Scope of Practice Review Issues Paper, PSA clarifies support for pharmacist prescribing through emphasising patient safety and quality practice, and make clear that pharmacists have the required competencies to conduct both prescribing and dispensing.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that regulation should exist to support timely access to medicines, not limit it.

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“Pharmacists should not be prevented from helping patients when they need care,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists can prescribe medicines within their scope of practice. The red tape and regulation that gets in the way of pharmacists helping patients needs to go.

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“Pharmacists currently prescribe within a limited formulary, namely under Continued Dispensing arrangements and Pharmacist-Only medicines, but we have the skills and knowledge to do more.

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“Current emergency supply provisions do not adequately mitigate the risks associated with ceasing therapy when a patient cannot access their medicines for a wide range of reasons.

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“We need to remove the out-of-date regulatory barriers that get in the way of delivering timely, effective health care.

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“We’ve seen in other countries pharmacists are prescribing a wider range of medicines than in Australia. This has been successful in providing safe access to medicines where patients have had trouble accessing other prescribers.

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“The emergence of pharmacist prescribing pilots in many Australian jurisdictions is further evidence that pharmacist prescribing is driven by real demand on the ground, and serves to address a gap to improve overall health system capability and capacity.

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“We know that the Scope of Practice Review is long, so we have renewed our position statement to meet the evolving health needs of our population.”

 

The position statement also clearly articulates PSA’s commitment to quality and safety measures for pharmacist prescribing.

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”Prescribing and dispensing remain as two discrete clinical activities, and pharmacists’ practice in these two activities will continue to be underpinned by appropriate clinical governance to ensure quality and standards,” A/Prof Sim said.

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“This position solidifies our commitment to evidence-based health service delivery.

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“PSA strongly believes in the implementation of evaluation and quality frameworks for prescribing services, ensuring that all health service delivery is responsive to the care and therapeutic needs of patients.”

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PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Position Statement is available here.

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

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TGA to brief pharmacists on vaping reform

16 February 2024

 

Chief Medical Adviser of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Professor Robyn Langham joins Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS this month for a national webinar on recent and planned changes affecting the supply and regulation of vaping products.

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Clearing the Air – Navigating the Vaping Reforms with Confidence explores recent regulatory changes (and those in the pipeline) and what they mean for pharmacists. It will also introduce the TGA’s new validation tool providing real-time monitoring of Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber scheme notifications to support safe dispensing of unapproved therapeutic goods.

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An update on evidence-based approaches for smoking and vaping cessation and nicotine dependence management will also be covered by guest speakers from the ‘National Quit Training and Resource Centre for Nicotine Cessation’ (Quit Centre) which provides a national best practice support service for health professionals.

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A/Prof Fei Sim FPS urged pharmacists to attend the webinar and hear directly from the TGA.

“This webinar is a chance for pharmacists to hear directly from the TGA and experts in the field, to gain in-depth understanding of the new regulatory environment, especially as it relates to dispensing unapproved vaping products.

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“I strongly encourage all pharmacists to attend, especially pharmacists who supply or are looking to supply vaping products, to ensure as pharmacists we are meeting our professional obligations in our practice and providing best-practice smoking cessation support to patients.”

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Pharmacists can visit Clearing the Air – Navigating the Vaping Reforms with Confidence to register.

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Pharmacists can also visit the TGA’s Vaping Hub to find more information on the regulatory changes to vapes, including sourcing and dispensing within the new regulatory settings.

 

Clearing the Air – Navigating the Vaping Reforms with Confidence

Tuesday 27 February 2024, from 7.30pm AEDT

Presented in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

 

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

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APF26 supporting developing practice

6 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is set to release the 26th print edition of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF) later this month, featuring updated guidance and information on a range of clinical topics.

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With the publishing of APF26, pharmacists have access to a fully revised section on Compounding, an updated Treatment Guidelines for Pharmacists section, and updated Cautionary Advisory Label (CAL) recommendations.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said each edition of the APF reflects updated expected practices, supporting quality pharmacy practice across roles and settings.

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“As our practice evolves to meet the future health needs of Australians, so does the APF,” A/Prof Sim said.

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“APF supports the role of pharmacists in achieving medicine safety backed by evidence-based information at all stages of the medication management cycle, including dispensing, compounding, therapeutic management, and providing health information.

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“Whether practicing in community, hospital, embedded and consultant pharmacy roles, using the APF as clinical decision support at the point of care continues to promote the safe and effective use of medicines,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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APF26 contains the most important update to the Compounding section seen for many editions. Key changes in the section include:

  • detailed guidance on assigning expiry dates to compounded medicines (including sterile medicines)
  • clear explanation of the legislative and regulatory framework that applies to compounding
  • expanded guidance on compounding sterile medicines and handling or compounding hazardous medicines
  • new guidance about manipulating and repackaging commercial products
  • new guidance about water used for compounding medicines or for manipulating commercial products into a ready-to-administer form.

Pharmacists who are involved with the following clinical activities will find guidance in APF that is relevant to their practice:

  • simple or complex compounding
  • handling or compounding hazardous medicines
  • repackaging medicines (e.g. into a dose administration aid)
  • manipulating commercial products into a ready-to-administer form (e.g. reconstituting antibiotics)

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The Treatment Guidelines for Pharmacists section has been expanded and includes 30 health conditions. The new Treatment Guidelines include:

  • anorectal disorders
  • cold sores
  • conjunctivitis
  • weight management.

Each Treatment Guideline has been written to help pharmacists easily find the key information they need at the point of care.

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The Pharmacy Board of Australia requires all pharmacists to have ready access to APF during clinical assessment and reviewing, dispensing, and counselling processes. APF digital subscribers will automatically have access to all new and updated APF26 content.

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Pre-orders for the print edition of APF26 are open now. Visit https://www.psa.org.au/media-publications/australian-pharmaceutical-formulary/

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@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.
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2024-25 Federal Budget submission: Building a healthcare system for the future

5 February 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for investment into pharmacy and pharmacist services to improve access and equity of care as part of its 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission.

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As the peak professional body for pharmacists in all areas of practice, PSA calls for the upcoming Federal Budget to support patients’ access to care and medicines through funded community pharmacist-led consultation services, an expanded National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy program, support for participation in multidisciplinary case conferencing, and nation-wide mental health first aid training.

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Importantly, PSA also calls for the permanent introduction and funding of the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to Improve Chronic Disease Management, or IPAC Project, embedding vital medicines safety advocacy into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services. The IPAC Project is critically supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).

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PSA’s recommendations signal the impact that increased scope for pharmacist services can have on the broader health system.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS says that funding for pharmacist services is key to equitable and accessible care now and into the future.

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“This year’s Budget is an opportunity to strengthen our healthcare system, ensuring that its fit for purpose and able to meet the current and future health needs of our population,” A/Prof Sim said.

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“Pharmacists should be supported to deliver more vaccinations, to act as a key consultation and triage point, and to offer crisis support to people experiencing mental ill health.

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“Pharmacists should be funded to continue our vital role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services as part of the IPAC program supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Medical Services Advisory Committee.

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“These recommendations bolster medicine safety, and recognise pharmacists’ roles in disease management, and support access to care for all Australians.

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“We can make a real difference to the patients we serve, and the health system more broadly, but our pharmacy workforce should be supported to be in these roles.

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“PSA is calling for investment across five key areas that support patient access to care, bolster the quality use of medicines and medicines safety, and recognise our roles as critical to improving the disease management.

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“Investing in community-based care and quality use of medicines is investing in accessible and equitable care for Australians when and where they need it,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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PSA’s full Budget Submission is available at https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/budget-submissions/

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

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Vaccination funding should be consistent: Sim

31 January 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes news that payments for pharmacist administration of COVID-19 vaccinations will be increased from tomorrow (1 February 2024) but urges similar increases across the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy program.

 

The Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA) has confirmed that the new fee for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Payments for all doses will be raised to $30.65. The Vaccination Incentive – Site Visit fee will not increase.

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PSA National President A/Prof Fei Sim FPS said that increases should also apply to payments for NIPVIP vaccines.

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“While I welcome increases in pharmacist remuneration for administering vital COVID-19 vaccines, it further highlights the growing inequality in funding for other vaccines delivered by pharmacists,” A/Prof Sim said.

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“This change recognises the costs involved in delivering vaccination services, and it should be applied to all vaccines expected to be delivered by pharmacists. All vaccination services, regardless of whether under the COVID-19 Vaccination in Community Pharmacy Program or the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy program, should be remunerated at the same rate.

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This should include commitment to indexing of fees to keep pace with CPI, inclusion of rural loading, after hours incentives and incentives for reaching at risk and priority populations. The NIPVIP program should also support outreach services so pharmacists can support people wherever they live, including in aged care and disability facilities

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“Adequate pharmacist remuneration is critical to ensuring that these essential services delivered by pharmacists can be delivered sustainably, which ultimately protects and maintains equitable access to vaccination services for all Australians.”

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

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Unleashing the potential of pharmacists: Scope of practice review

31 January 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the release of the first issue paper from the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review (the Cormack Review) last week.

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The issues paper recognises the existing barriers that are preventing Australia’s healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, from practising to their full and top of scope.

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PSA National President A/Prof Fei Sim FPS said that the paper highlights both the urgent and the long-term need for pharmacists to contribute to improving access to care and medicine safety through working to their full and top of scope.

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“The Cormack Review’s first issues paper confirms that inconsistent regulations, unnecessary restrictions on practice, and siloed workforces are having a detrimental impact on patients,” A/Prof Sim said.

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“As pharmacists, we welcome the paper as the first step in the review process, however we need to now look towards solutions.

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“PSA is making the case for solutions that recognise the potential of pharmacists as vital members of the healthcare team.

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“PSA sees a future where community pharmacies are supported and funded to fulfill their primary care role as urgent care clinics where pharmacists can triage, manage and consult on a range of acute common ailments.

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“This includes the ability to prescribe PBS medicines, harnessing the accessibility of pharmacists to deliver timely, cost-effective care – dramatically reducing patients’ out-of-pocket costs.

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“We see a future where pharmacists are embedded in multidisciplinary health care teams wherever medicines are prescribed, supplied, administered, or reviewed, and where pharmacists are utilised to support patients in managing chronic health conditions – whether that is a medicine or a referral to another healthcare provider.

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“To achieve these aims, regulatory, financial and systems barriers must be recognised and removed, and only until then, we can see the full potential of pharmacists unleashed.

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“As the next phase of consultation begins, we are continuing to advocate directly to government for the future of our profession and importantly, the future of our patients.”

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A/Prof Fei Sim currently sits on the Cormack Review’s Expert Advisory Committee, representing the pharmacy profession.

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

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is the peak national professional pharmacy organisation, representing Australia's 37,000+ pharmacists in all sectors and across all locations, working in or towards a career in pharmacy. Registered training organisation code: 122206 ABN:49 008 532 072 ACN:008 532 072

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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