Interstate Prescribing Laws Consultation Begins
Tasmanian families will benefit from improved access to medications prescribed interstate, under proposed changes now open for consultation.
Interested families and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on proposed changes to the Poisons Act 1971 and the Poisons Regulations 2018 to allow interstate prescriptions to be dispensed in Tasmania.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Roger Jaensch, said the changes would improve access to care and treatment.
“Medications impacted include the psychostimulant medications commonly used to treat ADHD, opioid analgesics, medicinal cannabis and benzodiazepines,” Minister Jaensch said.
“With the increased adoption of telehealth in recent years, a growing number of people access medical consultations interstate – however have not been able to get some medicines locally dispensed.
“Under the proposal, Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense a prescription issued interstate for a Tasmanian, as long as the prescription complies with the requirements that already apply in our State.
“Interstate travellers will also be able to have their valid prescriptions filled.
“Building a better health system, which these changes will help do, is the cornerstone of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s future.”
Following consultation, the proposed laws will need to pass Parliament before coming into effect.
Feedback on the proposed changes is open until 24 April 2025.
https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2025/april/consultation-opens-on-plans-to-change-interstate-prescribing-laws