The Tasmanian Government continues to deliver pharmacy reforms that make it easier and faster for Tasmanians to get the healthcare they need, close to home.
Tasmanian women can now access hormonal contraception directly from appropriately credentialled pharmacists, delivering on a key Government commitment and strengthening the pharmacy scope of practice reforms.
Legislation to make it easier for Tasmanians to obtain medicines prescribed interstate has also progressed, passing the Parliament earlier this week.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said community pharmacists play a vital and growing role in Tasmania's health system.
"We're supporting pharmacists to expand their services so Tasmanians can receive the care they need, sooner," the Premier said.
"This is about delivering healthcare closer to home for Tasmanians, saving people time and money, and freeing up GP appointments.
"Pharmacists with the right training can now assess, initiate and continue hormonal contraception, meaning Tasmanian women have more convenient access to the services they need, closer to home.
"This builds on our recent reforms allowing pharmacists to treat urinary tract infections and resupply the oral contraceptive pill."
The Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Bill, which enables interstate prescriptions to be dispensed in Tasmania, will come into effect in early 2026 after passing the Parliament.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said this common-sense change will improve access to care and make pharmacies work even better for Tasmanians.
"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," Minister Archer said.
"With more people using telehealth across state borders, this reform ensures Tasmanians can continue their treatment without unnecessary delays.
"Once implemented early next year, pharmacists will be able to dispense almost any interstate prescription, provided it meets Tasmania's existing requirements.
"Travellers to Tasmania will also benefit, with local pharmacists able to dispense their valid interstate scripts."
