The range of valid prescription formats is described below.
In the situation where the patient is not able to obtain a prescription, it is possible that a prescription medicine could be provided under the conditions described below.
The prescriber handwrites and hand-signs a paper prescription.
The prescriber generates the prescription using prescribing software, prints the prescription, and hand-signs it.
The prescription must comply with the Criteria for Issuing Non-Handwritten (Computer-Generated) Prescriptions (TG 184). Key criteria include:
Prescriptions issued using a public hospital electronic medication management system with Cerner Prescription Output Version 2 comply with TG184. See the Factsheet for Community Pharmacies: Computer generated prescription formats from NSW public health facilities.
Image-based prescriptions are only valid for dispensing at public health organisations.
An image-based prescription is an image (photo or scan) of a hand-written and signed paper prescription or a computer-generated (via prescribing software), printed and hand-signed prescription. The original physical paper prescription does not need to be sent to the pharmacist.
See also Hospitals.
Continued dispensing allows the supply of certain eligible PBS and RPBS medicines when a patient cannot obtain a prescription and there is an immediate need for the medicine. A single PBS quantity of medicines listed under medicines eligible for continued dispensing can be dispensed without prescription within a 12 month period.
Under clause 45 of the Regulation a pharmacist can supply up to 7 days treatment or the smallest standard pack of a liquid, inhaler, cream or ointment of a prescription medicine (other than Schedule 4 Appendix D and Schedule 8 medicines), without a prescription, for essential treatment, to a patient who has previously been prescribed the medicine, there is immediate need for continuation of treatment and it is not practicable for the patient to obtain a prescription.