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Are there any changes to how I seek authorisation to prescribe Schedule 8 medicines?
TasScript does not remove the requirement for prescribers to seek authorisation to make available Schedule 8 medicines under section 59E of the Poisons Act 1971. However, TasScript offers a new, simplified way for prescribers to apply for and manage their authorities.
From within TasScript, a prescriber can:
- Apply for a section 59E authority online
- Receive an authority.
- View and monitor application progress.
- View their active authorities.
- See authority history relating to their patient, including any current authority.
More information on how to apply for and manage your authorities can be found in the TasScript Help Portal.
What authority information can pharmacists view in TasScript?
TasScript provides pharmacists with a summary of each patient’s authority history and information (including the start and end dates, prescriber, patient, medicine(s), and dose information).
Pharmacists with questions about an individual patient’s care, including a prescriber’s authority status to treat a patient with Schedule 8 medicines, should contact the treating prescriber in the first instance to ensure coordination of care.
What authority information can prescribers view in TasScript?
Prescribers can see their authorities from their Authorities page. Each authority will have one of the following statuses assigned to it:
| Pending | Application for authority is incomplete and has not been submitted by the prescriber to the Department of Health. |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Application for authority has been submitted to the Department. |
| In Progress | Application for authority is being assessed. |
| Approved | Authority has been approved. |
| Cancelled. | Authority has been cancelled eg prescriber decides not to proceed with application. |
| Expired | Authority has expired. |
| Refused. | Authority has been refused. |
| Revoked | Authority has been revoked eg authority is withdrawn |
More information on authority workflows can be found in the TasScript Help Portal.
How do I manage my s59E authorities in TasScript if I am a locum prescriber?
Locum prescribers have the same obligations as any other Tasmanian prescriber to check TasScript prior to prescribing a monitored medicine, be aware of any current authorities and associated conditions, and to seek a s59E authority to prescribe Schedule 8 medicines where circumstances require it. Locum prescribers must register to use TasScript, and once this has been done, management of authorities can be undertaken through the TasScript health practitioner portal.
How long will a s59E authority application submitted in TasScript take to be assessed?
If a patient profile already exists in TasScript, an application can be submitted within TasScript. If a patient profile does not exist, prescribers will need to submit a hard copy s59E application form to the Department of Health.
The assessment progress of an application is updated in TasScript in real-time and most applications are assessed promptly when all required information is provided.
The process undertaken by the Department for assessment of applications for authority to prescribe Schedule 8 medicines under s59E of the Poisons Act 1971 is available on the Medicines and Poisons Regulation webpage This process has been independently reviewed by the Ombudsman to ensure elements of procedural fairness and quality are applied.
If a s59E authority has been issued to another prescriber, does this mean I can use this authority to prescribe the patient the same Schedule 8 medicine?
If you want to prescribe a Schedule 8 medicine to your patient and notice that TasScript shows an authority is currently issued to another prescriber who does not work in the same practice as you, you will need to seek authority prior to prescribing and contact the authorised prescriber to coordinate the transfer of care of the patient.
You need to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for patient care and avoid duplication of treatment and issue of prescriptions by different prescribers for the same medicine.
If the authorised prescriber works in the same practice as you, you are legally allowed to prescribe; however, this does not replace the need for clinical due diligence.
Where can I get further information?
Further information on authority requirements is available on the Medicines and Poisons Regulation webpage.
Find out more about TasScript and real-time prescription monitoring