Supplying and claiming PBS medicines from a medication chart in residential aged care facilities
From 19 March 2013, this initiative will be implemented in a phased approach. The new arrangements won’t be implemented nationally until the chart has been evaluated and state and territory enabling legislation has been introduced.
Medical practitioners will be able to use a standard national residential medication chart (NRMC) to prescribe most PBS medicines to patients in residential aged care facilities (RACFs), instead of a traditional PBS prescription.
Pharmacists will also be able to use a copy of the NRMC to supply and claim most PBS/RPBS medicines.
The NRMC will be trialled in nominated RACFs in NSW. This trial is expected to take approximately six months. It will be evaluated during this time to maximise medication safety and administrative efficiency.
RACFs participating in the phased implementation of the chart, and their supplying pharmacies, have been contacted by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC). All other pharmacies and medical practitioners must supply and claim medicines to RACFs through usual practices.
The medication chart was developed by ACSQHC, in consultation with the aged care sector, medical practitioners, pharmacists and other stakeholders.
For more information
Supply and PBS Claiming from a Medication Chart in RACFs—ACSQHC website
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Last updated: 10 April, 2013