The Department of Health and Aged Care has advised that the National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Special Arrangement 2020 which allows image-based prescribing in hospitals and signature exemptions for prescription record forms, will end on Friday 31 March 2023.
Image-based prescribing was introduced as in interim arrangement in March 2020 as part of the COVID-19 National Health Plan, while electronic prescribing capability was being implemented. The arrangement was subsequently extended several times.
While the department sets out some standards and restrictions on access to medicines, state and territory governments regulate medicines and prescriptions. Further information regarding specific legislation and options to assist in each jurisdiction can be found in the state and territory rules factsheet. There are also factsheets on the supply of prescriptions via telehealth for prescribers and pharmacists. These factsheets will be updated shortly to reflect the most recent changes.
If you have any questions about image-based prescribing and electronic prescribing, please contact eprescribing@health.gov.au. Otherwise, if your question relates to the ending of the signature exemptions, please contact PBS@health.gov.au.