Women on the Apple Isle now have greater access to contraceptive care. Photo: Towfiqu Barbhuyia.
The Tasmanian Government is expanding pharmacy reforms in an effort to make it easier for people to receive the care they need closer to home.
Women in Tasmania can now access hormonal contraception directly from a pharmacist who has been appropriately credentialled, making good on a key government commitment and strengthening the scope of practice reforms.
In addition, Tasmania’s Parliament passed legislation earlier this week making it easier to obtain medicines prescribed interstate.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said community pharmacists played an important role in the state’s healthcare system.
“We’re supporting pharmacists to expand their services so Tasmanians can receive the care they need, sooner,” Mr Rockliff said.
“This is about delivering healthcare closer to home for Tasmanians, saving people time and money, and freeing up GP appointments.”
The changes mean that pharmacists with the appropriate training can assess, initiate and continue hormonal contraception, giving women more convenient access to the services they need through their local chemist.
“This builds on our recent reforms allowing pharmacists to treat urinary tract infections and resupply the oral contraceptive pill,” Mr Rockliff said.
The Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Bill, which enables interstate prescriptions to be dispensed in Tasmania, will come into effect early next year.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer said the reforms would improve access to care.
“Under this new law, Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense certain prescriptions written interstate, including psychostimulants used to treat ADHD, opioids and medicinal cannabis,” Ms Archer said.
“With more people using telehealth across state borders, this reform ensures Tasmanians can continue their treatment without unnecessary delays.”
Ms Archer said that, after the new laws’ introduction, pharmacists would be able to provide “almost any” interstate prescription, as long as it met the state’s existing requirements.
