The Tasmanian Government is delivering improved access to essential medications for Tasmanians, with new interstate prescribing laws now in effect.
From today, Tasmanian pharmacists can dispense most prescriptions issued by interstate practitioners, following the commencement of the Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Act 2025.
This includes psychostimulants commonly used to treat ADHD, opioids, medicinal cannabis, and benzodiazepines, improving access for Tasmanians who have been prescribed these medicines.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the changes will benefit Tasmanians who access care interstate.
"Our Government is delivering on our plan to improve access to healthcare for Tasmanians with compassion and commonsense," the Premier said.
"Tasmanians who access medical care interstate and are prescribed certain medications can now have them dispensed in Tasmania, regardless of where their doctor is based."
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the commencement of the legislation is an important step forward in improving access to healthcare.
"We're removing unnecessary barriers and ensuring Tasmanians can access the medicines they have been prescribed," Minister Archer said.
"This reform will also benefit visitors to Tasmania. Travellers who bring valid prescriptions to the State can now have them dispensed by local pharmacists."
Tasmanian Branch President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Joe O'Malley, said community pharmacists everywhere welcome these changes.
"This is going to make life easier for Tasmanian patients, and we thank the State Government for their work to progress these reforms," said Mr O'Malley.
"With these changes now in place, patients who access care interstate will no longer need to jump through more hoops just to access medications they've been prescribed."
Information about the changes is available on the Department of Health website for all members of the public, including detailed information targeted to prescribers and pharmacists.
