Page 33 - Pharmacy careers guide

Government agencies
occupations in the pharmacy government sector focuses on the impact of the pharmacy profession on public healthcare through associations in pharmacy law, regulatory affairs and public policies.
Pharmacists working in this area make decisions that could determine systems on the overall processes for clinical research and safety of medication use. Pharmacists may collaborate with other professional agencies to monitor compliance or practices with laws and regulations and educate early career pharmacists on new policies.
Pharmacists in government associated position are often highly experienced, have a strong attention to detail and understand regulations that could apply to diverse practice settings. With an expertise in medicines, pharmacists require innovative thinking skills to help shape and define the practice. They have flexible working hours and receive a competitive income with favourable benefits.
A career in government health agencies can be competitive as positions may not be specific for pharmacists and some are available for other healthcare professionals.
Officer
Professional officer
Government agencies
The agencies and roles covered in this chapter are not exhaustive. Other agencies, not mentioned here, may have positions suited to pharmacists’ knowledge and skills. The information provided here is a general overview and is subject to change.
Australian Government – Department of Human Services
The Department administers the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), an Australian Government programme that subsidises the cost of listed prescription medicines, making it more affordable for all Australians.
to receive payment for the supply of pharmaceutical benefits (PBS medicines), approved pharmacists must comply with the National Health Act 1953 and its relevant legislative instruments.
Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC)
The CEC promotes and supports best practice clinical care, safety and quality across the NSW health system by: conducting high‐level analysis and reviews that identify risks and opportunities
for improvement; providing expert support,
advice, tools and information; and working collaboratively with patients, clinicians, managers, health service partners and the broader community. Current programs related to medication safety
of interest to pharmacists include: High Risk Medicines, Medication Safety Self‐Assessment, Continuity of Medication Management, Venous Thromboembolism Prevention, Quality Use of Antimicrobials and Other Medication Safety and Quality Initiatives.
State Government
The State Government is responsible for the development and amendment of policies and guidelines to complement the legislation; to ensure medicines and poisons are appropriately available and are supplied in accordance with legislative requirements to minimise harm from these substances in the community; issue authorities to medical practitioners to prescribe drugs of addiction and psychostimulants. Other duties include but are not limited to the investigation of self‐administering health professionals, investigation of inappropriate prescribing by medical practitioners, issuance of authorities for drugs to carry out research, issuance of authorities to use highly dangerous poisons, and issuance of wholesale licences for the supply of drugs and poisons.
NSW Poisons Information Centre
The Poisons Information Centre provides up‐to‐date and evidence‐based information regarding the risk assessment, management and treatment of human poisoning to the general public and healthcare professionals. The centre aims to be a focal point
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Accredited pharmacist
Government agencies
Medicines inspector
Manager