Dental practitioners

Dentists are authorised under section 17A of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act to prescribe, supply, possess and administer scheduled medicines for use in dental treatment only. For more information, refer to Guide to Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Legislation for Medical, Nurse and Midwife Practitioners and Dentists.

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists are authorised under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 (NSW) to possess and use (administer) benzocaine, lidocaine (lignocaine), mepivacaine, prilocaine, procaine and any Schedule 2, 3 or 4 synthetic local anaesthetic.

Dental therapists and oral health therapists

Dental therapists and oral health therapists are authorised under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 (NSW) to possess and use (administer) tetracycline and triamcinolone in preparations for treatment of dental pulp, benzocaine, lidocaine (lignocaine), mepivacaine, prilocaine, procaine and any Schedule 2, 3 or 4 synthetic local anaesthetic.

Nurses, and nurse and midwife practitioners

Midwife and nurse practitioners are authorised under section 17A of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act to prescribe, supply, possess and administer scheduled medicines for use in medical treatment.

For more information, refer to:

Optometrists

An optometrist whose registration has an endorsement under section 94 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) that qualifies the optometrist to possess, use, supply or prescribe certain Schedule 2, 3 or 4 medicines, is authorised under section 17B of the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 to possess, use, prescribe, supply and administer those medicines in the practice of optometry.

All registered optometrists may possess and administer those Schedule 2, 3 and 4 medicines which are approved by the Optometry Board of Australia for administration for diagnostic purposes by optometrists holding general registration. Authority for optometrists to administer diagnostic agents.

Podiatrists

A podiatrist whose registration has an endorsement under section 94 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) that qualifies the podiatrist to possess, use, supply or prescribe certain Schedule 2, 3 or 4 medicines, is authorised under section 17C of the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 to possess, use, prescribe, supply and administer those medicines in the practice of podiatry.

Under clause 3 of Appendix C of the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008, all registered podiatrists may possess and use Schedule 2, 3 and 4 local anaesthetics in the practice of podiatry.

Veterinary practitioners

Veterinary practitioners are authorised prescribers under the legislation for the purpose of veterinary treatment only. For more information, refer to Guide to Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Legislation for Veterinary Practitioners.


Current as at: Friday 31 March 2023
Contact page owner: Pharmaceutical Services