RACGP and AMA Raise Concerns Over Pharmacy Prescribing Consultation

RACGP and AMA Raise Concerns Over Pharmacy Prescribing Consultation

07 Nov 2025

In a joint letter to the Board, both organisations expressed disappointment with a recent national forum, saying it failed to allow genuine discussion about the proposed model that would enable pharmacists to independently prescribe, supply, and use scheduled medicines.

The RACGP and AMA said they expected an open debate on international models that emphasise collaboration between doctors and pharmacists, but instead found key issues – such as separating prescribing and dispensing, and ensuring proper clinical governance – were dismissed or limited to being written on Post-it notes.

“This approach suppresses meaningful debate,” the letter stated. “We do not have any sense the Board is interested in supporting best practice care.”

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has rejected the criticism, saying the claims lack evidence and reflect “the doctor lobby’s fears, not facts.” A Guild spokesperson said pharmacists already play a crucial role in identifying prescribing errors and have the expertise to safely expand into autonomous prescribing with additional training.

The Pharmacy Board acknowledged ongoing concerns from the medical sector, including risks of fragmented care, conflicts of interest, and patient safety. It said these issues would be addressed in upcoming consultations, including a public consultation planned for late 2025 into early 2026.

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the current consultation process “discouraged” opposing views, even when supported by evidence, and warned that allowing pharmacists to both prescribe and dispense medicines “removes a key safeguard for patient safety.”

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright echoed these concerns, saying discussions so far have failed to address significant risks, particularly around Schedule 8 medications.

“Collaboration between GPs and pharmacists is essential, but it must be structured, safe, and centred on patient wellbeing,” Dr Wright said. “Integration should never come at the cost of clinical rigour or trusted care.”

The RACGP and AMA are now urging the Pharmacy Board to reconsider its approach and ensure that future consultations allow for genuine, evidence-based dialogue focused on patient safety and coordinated care.

Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) / newsGP

 
 

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