Vending machines are widely used in general settings as automated devices that store and supply goods without the need for direct interaction with a supplier at the time of purchase.
Under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (the Act), ‘automated machines’ are defined as “any machine or devices used or capable of being used for the purpose of supplying goods without the personal manipulation or attention of the supplier or the supplier’s employee or other agent at the time of supply”.
In a pharmacy context, these machines or devices may include systems such as pharmacy collection units used to supply therapeutic goods.
These devices are also commonly referred to as vending machines or pharmacy collection units.
The Act generally prohibits the use of these devices to supply therapeutic goods, including medicines. This restriction in the Act is intended to:
It specifically addresses risks associated with the unsupervised selection and use of therapeutic goods.
An exemption must be granted to allow the use of certain automatic machines and their installation in a pharmacy. Any exemption granted:
Exemptions have been issued for the following pharmacist-controlled automated storage and collection units:
Supply of medicines or therapeutic goods by these automatic machines can only be made in accordance with the exemption order, including its conditions.
Pharmacies in NSW may install PharmaSelf24 (PS24) units for the collection of dispensed medicines (excluding S8 medicines), or MedyBOX units for the supply unscheduled regulated goods, provided that:
Pharmacists remain responsible for: