Medical groups demand Minns freeze pharmacist prescribing expansion
Five main medical groups are urging NSW Premier Minns to pause plans to let pharmacists prescribe for complex conditions.
Australia's main surgical, medical and GP groups told Premier Minns they worry about letting pharmacists prescribe more. The five groups say complex conditions need patient history, expert diagnosis, and continuity of care that doctors provide.
The federal government recently funded pharmacist prescribing for urinary tract infections and contraceptives. The funding skipped Medicare's usual strict approval process.
In one British case, a prescribing pharmacist was suspended after a patient died. The Pharmacy Guild disputes these concerns.
They say pharmacists complete extra training. They also point to long GP waiting times.
The two sides disagree sharply on whether expanded access improves care or creates risk.
- Five peak organisations
- Medical groups
- UTI and oral contraceptives
- Current funded services
- William Terry Obeng
- British suspension case
Why it mattersPatient safety in healthcare depends on who can prescribe what, and NSW is making that decision now.
AustraliaNSW health policy will determine whether your pharmacist can prescribe for serious conditions without a doctor's involvement.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
