From 17 April 2020, community pharmacists in NSW can dispense a prescription for most medicines using an image of the prescription received by email or fax, rather than requiring a paper prescription.
This temporary measure will better support patients, prescribers and pharmacists during the COVID-19 response, and allow better integration of the prescription and supply of medicines with the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 response telehealth reforms.
On this page
- How does it work?
- Medicines excluded from image-based prescribing
- Frequently asked questions
How does it work?
Community pharmacists can accept image-based prescriptions received by email or fax from a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. Image-based prescriptions do not need to be followed up with a hard copy of the prescription, and can be issued with repeats.
Image-based prescriptions can only be issued and dispensed for Schedule 4 medicines, except those in Appendix D (S4D medicines). S4D medicines and Schedule 8 (S8) medicines are not included in the temporary arrangements due to risks associated with fraudulent prescription and supply.
The steps for image-based prescribing and dispensing are:
- Prescriber issues a prescription, including a physical handwritten signature
- Prescriber sends an image-based prescription to the patient’s pharmacy of choice by email or fax
- Pharmacist dispenses the prescription, prints a copy and endorses it as per usual
- Pharmacist arranges delivery or pick up by the patient, carer or patient's agent
- Pharmacist keeps any repeats and all prescriptions for two years.
All repeats must be supplied and held in the same pharmacy as the original supply. For a prescription issued with repeats, print the repeat authorisation form as normal and attach it to the printed copy of the image-based prescription and store them together at the pharmacy for future dispensing.
There are no changes to issuing and dispensing prescriptions for S4D and S8 medicines. A prescriber may still direct a pharmacist to dispense S8 and S4D medicines by telephone, email or fax, and the paper-based prescription must be sent to the pharmacist within 24 hours.
Medicines excluded from image-based prescribing
Image-based prescriptions cannot be used for Schedule 8 medicines and Schedule 4 Appendix D medicines:
Schedule 8 medicines and drug classes
- opioids
- selected benzodiazepines (alprazolam, flunitrazepam)
- psychostimulants (dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate)
- cannabis-based medicines
Schedule 4 Appendix D medicines and drug classes
- anabolic steroids
- barbiturates
- benzodiazepines (except alprazolam, flunitrazepam)
- erythropoietins
- growth hormones
- quetiapine
- peptides
- pregabalin
- selective androgen receptor modulators
- tramadol
- zolpidem
- zopiclone
From 17 April 2020, additional substances identified as liable to abuse, misuse and trafficking are included in Appendix D as prescribed restricted substances.
The addition of these substances will better align the NSW legislative framework with the National Poisons Standard.
The following medicines are now included in Appendix D as prescribed restricted substances:
- pregabalin
- quetiapine
- tramadol
- zolpidem
- zopiclone
As with any Schedule 4 Appendix D medicine, prescriptions for these medicines can only be dispensed for up to six months from the date of issue.
A list of all Schedule 4 Appendix D medicines is available.
Frequently asked questions
The patient has a photo of their prescription. Can I dispense it?
No. Image-based prescriptions are only valid for prescriptions issued on or after 17 April 2020 and must be sent directly to the pharmacy by the prescriber using email or fax. Where the patient has an existing prescription, the signed paper prescription must be presented to the pharmacy.
Can I dispense repeats from an image-based prescription?
Yes. Print the repeat authorisation form as normal and attach it to the printed copy of the prescription. Keep the repeats at the pharmacy.
Which medicines are included?
Image-based prescriptions can be used for Schedule 4 medicines excluding those in Appendix D. Schedule 4 Appendix D and Schedule 8 medicines are not included in the temporary arrangements.
The prescriber has sent me an image of a prescription for a Schedule 8 medicine. Can I dispense it?
No. Arrangements for issuing and dispensing prescriptions for Schedule 8 medicines have not changed. The prescriber must still send you the paper prescription for a Schedule 8 medicine.
A prescriber has sent me an image of a prescription but I do not have stock of the S4 medicine – what do I do?
If a pharmacist cannot dispense a medicine on an image-based prescription, inform the prescriber so that the prescriber can send the image-based prescription to another pharmacist. A pharmacist cannot forward an image-based prescription to another pharmacist for dispensing. Ideally, the prescriber should liaise with the pharmacist to check stock for unusual medicines or medicines known to be in short supply, prior to sending the image-based prescription.
What about signing for receipt of PBS supply?
This is not required if it is not practical for the patient to do so. Where it is impractical, a pharmacist can sign on the patient's behalf.
How long will are the changes in place?
This temporary change is in place until 4 April 2021. Electronic prescribing through prescription exchange services is expected to be in place by this time.
What do I need to do?
Ensure you have an email address or fax to receive image-based prescriptions and advise local prescribers.
I have questions. Who do I contact?
For more information contact the Duty Pharmaceutical Officer at the NSW Ministry of Health at MOH-PharmaceuticalServices@health.nsw.gov.au