RACGP Raises Concerns Over Pharmacist Prescribing Proposal

RACGP Raises Concerns Over Pharmacist Prescribing Proposal

02 Jul 2026

In its submission to the Pharmacy Board of Australia, the RACGP said the proposed model would allow pharmacists to prescribe Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 medicines despite receiving significantly less clinical training than medical practitioners.

The RACGP states that accredited pharmacist prescribing courses include around 700–800 hours of education, with an estimated 120–150 hours of supervised clinical experience.

The college said the proposal does not provide sufficient evidence, risk assessment or safeguards to support the expanded prescribing role. It also raised concerns about managing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring patient safety.

The RACGP noted that the proposal differs from the prescribing framework for endorsed registered nurses, which includes greater clinical experience and stronger collaborative arrangements with other healthcare professionals.

Drawing on feedback from more than 300 members across Australia, the RACGP said prescribing involves clinical assessment, diagnosis, risk evaluation and ongoing patient care, rather than simply issuing a prescription.

The college has called on the Pharmacy Board to reconsider the proposal and ensure any future prescribing model maintains high standards of patient safety and clinical care.

RACGP Raises Concerns Over Pharmacist Prescribing Proposal

Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), July 2026.

 
 

 

 
 

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