Ahpra strengthens oversight of prescribing practices
16 Sep 2026
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has taken regulatory action in cases involving concerns about unsafe prescribing. Its investigations have included high-volume prescribing models and the use of medicines such as unapproved peptides, medicinal cannabis and GLP-1 medicines used for weight management.
Ahpra and the National Boards have released new guidance to help practitioners understand their responsibilities when prescribing medicines outside their approved use or medicines that need to be compounded.
These medicines may have a role in meeting specific patient needs. However, they can also involve risks and uncertainties that patients need to understand before agreeing to treatment.
Practitioners are expected to use sound clinical judgement and follow professional and legal requirements. This includes considering the available evidence, keeping appropriate health records, managing conflicts of interest and supporting continuity of care.
Prescribers must also understand their obligations under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements and relevant state and territory drugs and poisons laws.
The TGA also reminds practitioners prescribing unapproved medicines to understand the legal pathways and requirements that apply to these treatments.
Ahpra and the TGA are working together to identify concerns that may involve unlawful advertising, importing or supplying therapeutic goods. Ahpra is also working with other regulators and government agencies to share information about emerging risks.
New resources are also being developed, including guidance on conflicts of interest and information for patients about what to expect from telehealth consultations.
Ahpra and the National Boards have published case studies to help practitioners review prescribing decisions and understand their professional responsibilities.
The Medical Board of Australia has reminded practitioners that a patient requesting a medicine does not automatically mean that the treatment is clinically appropriate. Prescribers should consider the individual patient's needs, the evidence for treatment and whether prescribing is justified.
Ahpra strengthens oversight of prescribing practices
Source: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), National Boards and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).