Insurer warns expanded pharmacy prescribing could increase patient risk
15 Jun 2026
The insurer made a rare public statement as national discussions continue about allowing pharmacists to prescribe a wider range of medicines, including potentially Schedule 8 drugs.
Avant said the debate should focus on patient safety, not just access to medicines or cost savings. It warned that expanding prescribing rights into more complex treatments could increase the risk of incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Steve Robson said prescribing is closely linked to diagnosis and clinical decision-making, and mistakes can have serious consequences for patients.
He said decisions about expanding prescribing powers should not be based mainly on efficiency or cost arguments.
Avant also highlighted that around one in six of its medical negligence claims involve medication-related issues, making it one of the most common causes of claims.
The insurer said this shows how easily harm can occur when medicines are prescribed incorrectly or without full clinical assessment.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright supported Avant’s concerns, saying it is important to consider risk evidence when discussing changes to prescribing rules.
He said there is currently not enough evidence to show that expanded prescribing by pharmacists is safe in more complex clinical areas.
Dr Wright said prescribing requires full clinical assessment and diagnosis, and should be closely linked to broader medical care.
However, the Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL), which provides indemnity cover for pharmacists, disagreed with Avant’s position.
PDL said pharmacists are highly trained and already play a key role in improving access to healthcare, especially in areas with workforce shortages.
It said expanding pharmacist prescribing could improve timely care and patient outcomes if properly regulated and supported.
Dr Mark Woodrow from Avant said emergency departments are already seeing patients harmed due to incorrect prescribing or missed diagnoses.
He said some patients arrive at hospital after medication issues worsen their condition or after being treated for the wrong illness.
He added that this is not a criticism of pharmacists, but a reminder that prescribing must always be linked with proper diagnosis and clinical judgement.
The Pharmacy Board of Australia is currently consulting on a national prescribing framework. One option would allow pharmacists to prescribe Schedule 2, 3 and 4 medicines, while another option would also include Schedule 8 medicines.
Health ministers are expected to make a final decision in the coming months after reviewing submissions from professional groups and stakeholders.
Insurer warns expanded pharmacy prescribing could increase patient risk
Source: newsGP