New legislation to better detect PBS fraud
A bill is being considered to give the government more powers to investigate PBS and MBS fraud, including claims for medicines that have not been supplied Health Minister Greg Hunt …
Stronger safeguards for risperidone prescribing
Streamlined authority codes for risperidone will change from 1 January 2020, in line with PM’s response to Aged Care Royal Commission’s Interim Report Commencing 1 January 2020, the PBS listings …
Is it safe to seek help?
With changes to mandatory notifications to take effect soon, we look at case studies of what constitutes impairment as AHPRA encourages registered practitioners to seek help for their own health …
‘Unviable’ situation leaves town with no pharmacy
A pharmacy closure in Mount Magnet, WA, due to workforce issues and lack of support from the local medical surgery has led to renewed calls for a rural pharmacy viability …
‘The intent of the complaint is to cause harm or distress.’
What is a vexatious complaint, who makes them and what should pharmacists do if they’re on the receiving end? Notifications against health practitioners including pharmacists are rising, and some of …
10 things to know about Australian veterans and medicines
Over one million medications were dispensed to around 70,000 contemporary ex-serving defence force members in 2017–18 The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released its latest statistics on …
Medicines relatively affordable, price index reveals
New figures show medicines in Australia are cheap in comparison to other countries US medicines are 307% more expensive than the median global cost but Australian medicines are 25% cheaper, …
‘This is critical, we can save lives.’
Take home naloxone pilot will kick off on 1 December across community pharmacies in three states The take home naloxone pilot will make naloxone available free and without prescription to …
How can pharmacists help to prevent falls?
New research from Monash University links falls with medication initiation and dose changes Researchers from Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS) have conducted a root cause analysis …
Most influential people in pharmacy: Shane Jackson
We speak to the next person in our 14 most influential people in pharmacy campaign, as voted by you Shane Jackson Interim CEO (and former president), PSA Community pharmacist and …
‘Pharmacists must be supported.’
PM promises over $25 million to improve medication management programs in response to Aged Care Royal Commission’s Interim Report The Federal Government will deliver a $537 million funding package to …
‘Untold distress to patients.’
Independent pharmacist prescribers based in UK general practices have been linked to a number of serious incidents and cases where patient deaths have been reported Inappropriate prescribing or poor advice …