Leading pharmacy organisations have united to recommend a model of pharmacist prescribing that prioritises patient access, safety, and convenience.
In a joint open submission to the Pharmacy Board of Australia, AdPha (Advanced Pharmacy Australia), the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) propose a framework that would allow pharmacists to prescribe medicines autonomously, within their scope of practice.
The model proposed for Endorsed Pharmacist Prescribing by the Joint Pharmacy Organisations is:
Autonomous prescribing where a health professional undertakes prescribing of any scheduled medicine within their individual, self-determined, documented and authorised scope of practice, based on completion of an accredited training course, and delivered in appropriate collaborative relationships with the patient and all other members of the healthcare team.
The Joint Pharmacy Organisations' submission, which should be adopted by the Pharmacy Board in full, would enable qualified pharmacists to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, sell, supply or use Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 8 medicines after completing an approved course.
National registration of pharmacists as endorsed prescribers would bring Australia into line with other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand where pharmacist-prescribing has been implemented for 20 years, and, based on evidence internationally and in Australia, results in improved patient safety, quality of care, better access and more efficient use of health system resources.
Importantly, the submission calls for collaboration with governments to ensure patients can access their PBS subsidies for medicines prescribed by endorsed pharmacists—removing financial barriers and improving equity in healthcare.
By supporting pharmacist prescribing, this unified approach enhances professional accountability while expanding access to safe, effective treatment options—especially for patients in rural, regional, and underserved communities.
Pharmacists are highly trained medicines experts, already delivering care across a wide range of settings. Enabling them to prescribe autonomously will:
- Improve access to timely care, especially in underserved communities.
- Reduce pressure on general practice and emergency departments.
- Enhance continuity of care through integrated, patient-centred services.
- Support workforce mobility by removing jurisdictional inconsistencies.
- Deliver significant economic benefits, with modelling showing potential savings of over $600 million annually.
The submission draws on extensive evidence from Australian pilots and international models, demonstrating that pharmacist prescribing is safe, effective, and highly valued by patients. It also outlines the readiness of the profession, with accredited training programs already in place and strong support from state and territory governments.
AdPha, the PSA and the Guild look forward to working with the Pharmacy Board, Governments and other stakeholders to progress this important reform.
Attributable quotes:
Assoc. Prof. Tom Simpson, President Advanced Pharmacy Australia:
"Pharmacist prescribing has already delivered measurable improvements in patient safety, hospital efficiency and medication management across Australia in governed health settings.
"From emergency departments to aged care facilities, pharmacists are working collaboratively to reduce medication errors, improve continuity of care and support better health outcomes for patients.
"A national endorsement will see consistent benefits for patients and practitioners across all healthcare settings, unlocking the full potential of the pharmacy workforce working to the top of scope in multi-disciplinary teams."
Professor Trent Twomey National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia:
"Evidence and best practice from across the world, and in Australia, shows that pharmacist prescribing improves patient safety, quality of care and access to timely treatment. Expanding the range of services provided in pharmacy, in line with pharmacist's skills, training and experience will reduce GP wait times and non-urgent visits to the emergency room.
"Pharmacists are trusted, highly trained primary healthcare professionals ready to do more to support patients with everyday health conditions. Nationally-endorsed pharmacist prescribing will improve access to treatment, relieve pressure on doctors and hospitals, and deliver better value for taxpayers. Ultimately, it will mean healthier Australian communities.
Associate Professor Fei Sim, National President, PSA:
"Pharmacists are already playing a vital role in delivering accessible, high-quality care to communities in Australia. A national endorsement for pharmacist prescribing is the next logical step in recognising pharmacists' expertise and evolving practice to meet the needs and demands of patients and across our health system. This reform will help address workforce shortages, improve access to medicines, and ensure patients receive timely care—especially in rural and regional areas
"The evidence is clear: pharmacist prescribing is safe, effective and improves health. The model provides a framework that is robust and consistent to improve overall capacity of our health system whilst ensuring public safety is upheld. The PSA is proud to support this submission and looks forward to working with the Pharmacy Board of Australia to make endorsed pharmacist prescribing a reality"
