Health Leaders Call for Caution Over Pharmacist Prescribing Proposal
18 Jun 2026
In an open letter to Federal and State health ministers, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and national health boards, organisations including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australian Medical Association, Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges, and the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners expressed concerns about the current proposal.
The group said they support improving access to healthcare but questioned whether the proposed prescribing model provides enough safeguards to ensure patient safety and maintain high standards of care.
The letter highlighted that prescribing medicines is closely linked to diagnosis, ongoing monitoring and follow-up care. Signatories argued that safe prescribing requires continuity of care, clear accountability and systems that allow health professionals to reassess patients over time.
They warned that healthcare delivered in fragmented or episodic settings may increase the risk of missed diagnoses, delayed treatment and medication-related harm.
The concerns come as consultation closes on a proposal supported by the Pharmacy Board of Australia to expand pharmacist prescribing authority to include Schedule 8 medicines.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the joint statement reflects a shared concern among doctors, nurses and pharmacists about maintaining a safe and coordinated healthcare system.
He said there is currently insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed expansion can be implemented safely without stronger integration, continuity of care and accountability measures.
The debate follows recent comments from medical indemnity provider Avant Mutual, which reported that medication-related issues are involved in around one in six indemnity claims.
At the same time, Michael Bonner, who signed the letter, said he supports pharmacist prescribing in principle but believes it should operate within a GP-connected, team-based model that ensures appropriate governance and oversight.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia responded by saying patient safety, connected care and accountability remain central to the national framework process. The organisation also stated that evidence supports pharmacist prescribing when undertaken by appropriately trained pharmacists working within approved treatment protocols.
Health Leaders Call for Caution Over Pharmacist Prescribing Proposal
Source: newsGP