NSW Health is introducing several initiatives which aim to streamline the processes of applying for an authority to prescribe a controlled drug under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW), following the implementation of SafeScript NSW.
The first stage is the release of new authority application forms. The new forms are quicker to complete and require less information and supporting documentation from prescribers.
The new application forms are PDF editable and can be accessed on the NSW Health website.
In the initial period following the release of the new forms, both new and old forms will be accepted.
From 1 February 2023 old application forms will no longer be accepted.
NSW Health in partnership with eHealth NSW is also developing an online system to manage authority applications which will be available in 2023.
The new system will be integrated with SafeScript NSW and will allow prescribers to submit authority applications online, track progress of their applications and reduce the turnaround time for applications. In some cases, prescribers will receive authorities in real time.
This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 7 December 2022. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.