Legislation, Storage, Prescribing and Supply of Medicines
This section outlines the legislative framework governing the supply, administration, and prescribing of medicines in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across Australia. Understanding state and territory legislation is essential for health workers in remote areas, as regulations vary significantly and impact their scope of practice.
Key resources include specific state legislation, federal guidelines, and standards that guide safe and effective medicine management. Emphasising the importance of proper storage and cold chain management, the guidelines aim to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines. Additional resources support the procurement, prescribing, and administration of medicines, particularly in locations with limited access to pharmacists. By adhering to these guidelines, health workers can enhance the quality of care provided to their communities while minimising risks associated with medication use.
State and Territory Legislation
Legislation governing the supply and administration of medicines varies across Australian states and territories. It is crucial for health workers in remote Aboriginal health services to familiarise themselves with the relevant laws in their specific region, as these regulations impact their scope of practice and the responsibilities of other team members. The section provides access to specific legislation related to medicine management for each state and territory, noting that the information is current as of the publication date.
- ACT – Medicines Poisons and Therapeutic Good Act 2008
- NSW – Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008
- NSW – Aboriginal Health Worker Guidelines for NSW Health
- NT – Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012
- NT – Factsheet – defining the roles of Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners
- QLD – Medicines and Poisons Act 2019
- QLD – Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021
- QLD – Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 – Extended Practice Authority ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Health Practitioners’
- QLD – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner – Scope of Practice Guideline
- QLD – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner use of medicines
- QLD – Key legislative requirements: registered nurses and enrolled nurses
- SA – Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011
- SA – South Australia’s Rural Aboriginal Health Workforce Plan 2021-2026
- Tas – Medicine and Poisons Regulation
- Tas – Poisons Act 1971
- Tas – Poisons Regulations 2018
- Tas – Poisons (Declared Restricted Substances) Order 2017
- Tasmania Government: Department of Health – Health Workforce Strategy 2040
- Vic – Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substance Regulations
- WA – Medicines and Poisons Act 2014
- Western Australia Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 – Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016
Federal Legislation
Federal guidelines, legislation and standards that guide medicine use in Australia.
- The Poisons Standard: SUSMP Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons
- The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards: Standard 4
- National Framework for Determining Scope of Practice for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Workforce
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan
- Ahpra: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board – Codes and Guidelines
- Ahpra – Code of conduct
- Therapeutic Goods Act 2001
- NACCHO Medicines Management Guidelines
Storage & cold chain management
Effective medicine management is essential for the safe and quality use of medications. This includes maintaining documented processes for ordering and storing medicines, particularly refrigerated and high-risk items. The available resources and guidelines assist with ordering, cold chain management, stock management, and audits. Health workers new to remote Aboriginal health services should also familiarise themselves with site-specific policies and procedures related to medicine storage to ensure safety.
Resources for cold chain management, and guidance on what to do in the case of a cold chain breach.
Supply of medications
The resources on this page provide guidance on the supply and prescribing of medicines. Some information will change depending on the state, territory, region, or healthcare site you are working in.
Please follow the healthcare site’s procedures if available. These resources may support current practices or provide guidance if no procedures are currently available.
Information to support the supply and administration of medicines. Especially useful in locations without a pharmacist.
Guidelines to support correct and effective use of dose administration aids including Webster-packs, sachets etc.
Regulations and legislation for prescribing or issuing medicines. Each Australian state and territory have different rules or conditions, which may also differ depending on remoteness of practice.
Standard Drug Lists and Guidelines
Common medication lists, also known as imprests, used in remote Australia.
Guidelines and support resources to guide medicine procurement and storage.
- NACCHO Medicines Management Guidelines
- Remote Health Atlas – Pharmacy Guidelines, NT
- Pharmacy Audits PHC Remote Guideline, NT
- The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards: Standard 4
- Remote Primary Health Care Manuals (RPHCM) – Procedures manual
Essential information for the ordering and supply of medicine in remote areas.
Contact
For any inquiries or further information about the Medicines and Pharmacy team at: medicines@naccho.org.au.
