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New Laws for Operating a Pharmacy in South Australia

new laws for operating a pharmacy in south australia

This article applies to pharmacies and pharmacy depots.

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (South Australia) (Telepharmacy) Amendment Regulations 2022 No. 16 (SA)

On 17 February 2022, the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (South Australia) (Telepharmacy) Amendment Regulations 2022 (SA) (the Amending Regulations) amended the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (South Australia) Regulations 2010 (SA) (the Act).

The key changes introduced by the Amending Regulations are discussed below.

Pharmacist not physically in attendance

An organisation that has been granted an authorisation to operate a pharmacy business without a pharmacist being physically in attendance at the pharmacy (an authorisation under subsection 43(1a)(a) of the Act) is subject to the following new conditions, when a pharmacist is not physically in attendance at the pharmacy, as provided for by the Amending Regulations:

  • a substance listed in Schedule 8 of the Uniform Poisons Standard, or a compounded medicine, must not be dispensed or otherwise supplied to a person at the pharmacy;
  • a pharmacy service can only be provided at the pharmacy if a pharmacist who is in attendance by means of internet or other electronic communication is satisfied that there is a need for immediate provision of the service;
  • each day, a pharmacist must physically attend at the pharmacy on at least 1 occasion while it is open to the public and check on its operations;
  • a member of staff undertaking official duties at the pharmacy while a pharmacist is not physically in attendance must hold qualifications in accordance with the requirements of the Authority.

Conclusion

To adhere to the new obligations, as brought about by the Amending Regulations, organisations that are authorised to operate a pharmacy business without a pharmacist being physically in attendance at the pharmacy should ensure relevant controls and processes are in place. Additionally, an appropriate level of staff awareness should be achieved.

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