Prescribers and patients in Queensland now have the option to use an electronic prescription as an alternative to a paper-based prescription

On 10 July 2020, the approved requirements for electronic prescriptions1 was certified (‘certified instrument’) in accordance with the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (HDPR).

The ‘certified instrument’ specifies the legislative requirements for a lawful electronic prescription that can be generated and sent by prescribers and received by dispensers. All health practitioners authorised to prescribe under the HDPR can generate an electronic prescription to a patient.

To support this measure, an amendment has been made to Queensland’s legislation, the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (HDPR) that:

• enables a prescriber to send a digital image of a prescription to a dispenser; and
• gives a temporary exemption from the requirement to send paper copies of prescriptions to dispensers, other than prescriptions for controlled (Schedule 8) drugs, restricted drugs of dependency 1 and anabolic steroids.

What is an electronic prescription?

An electronic prescription is generated by a prescriber using conformant prescribing software. This sends the patient a unique QR barcode known as a ‘token’ via an App, SMS or email (token model). The token will be scanned by the dispenser to unlock the electronic prescription from an encrypted and secure prescription delivery service, allowing controlled and/or restricted drugs to be dispensed. Read more here

• Electronic prescriptions instrument
• Electronic prescribing systems Queensland factsheet

Can paper prescriptions still be used?

Electronic prescribing is not mandatory but provides prescribers and their patients with an alternative to paper prescriptions. Handwritten and computer-generated paper prescriptions continue to be legally acceptable ways to prescribe restricted (Schedule 4) and controlled drugs (Schedule 8) under the HDPR. 

What about Interim Prescribing ?

Image-based prescriptions refer to the digital transfer (e.g. fax or email) of paper prescriptions and are not electronic prescriptions. The interim arrangements for image-based prescriptions under the Commonwealth Government’s National Health (COVID-19 Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Special Arrangement 2020 will continue until 30 September 2020 or as extended by the Commonwealth Government. The prescription must meet all the requirements for a lawful prescription under the HDPR, including a signature.

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