Updated guidelines for pharmacists providing nicotine dependence support
26 September 2024
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today released updates to the Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support following legislative changes commencing on 1 October 2024.
Together, the professional practice guidelines and treatment guidelines set out clear advice on the legal, professional and ethical standards for pharmacists providing nicotine dependence management services, updated to reflect legislative changes to nicotine vaping products.
PSA Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said that the release of updated guidelines supports participating pharmacists navigate complex regulatory changes around providing nicotine dependence management services, including nicotine-containing vaping products.
“PSA’s core role is to support pharmacists with best-practice guidelines and support across existing and emerging areas of practice as legislation changes,” Adj. A/Prof Morris said.
“The updated guidelines released today support pharmacists in navigating legislative changes around nicotine-containing vapes coming into effect from 1 October 2024. They are an essential guide not only for pharmacists who choose to provide nicotine vaping products as a Pharmacist Only medicine, but also those who dispense nicotine-containing vapes on prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
“There are significant professional and legal obligations upon pharmacists. These obligations are clarified by updated guidelines, including specific requirements for pharmacist consultation, patient identification, determining clinical appropriateness, documentation such as completing SAS notifications and obtaining informed consent from the consumer.
“These guidelines are critical to ensuring patient needs are met while complying with jurisdictional legislative and professional requirements.”
PSA invites pharmacists to attend an online webinar this evening (26 September), as well as a series of workshops aimed at further supporting pharmacists to navigate the complex and rapidly changing regulatory environment involving nicotine dependence management.
“All pharmacists are strongly encouraged to attend both this week’s upcoming webinar and upcoming local workshops which will allow relevant state and territory legislation to be considered in conjunction with national regulation and these guidelines,” Adj. A/Prof Morris said.
Pharmacists can now access the Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support. Registrations are essential for upcoming webinars and face-to-face workshops, with limited spaces available. Pharmacists are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible.
The development of the Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. The work to develop the guidelines included review by experts, stakeholder feedback, and the consensus of organisations and individuals involved.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
