News
Important changes to GP prescribing regulations
Wednesday January 8, 2025
Significant updates to the prescribing regulations and code for GPs have been introduced by the Department of Health, taking effect from 12 December 2024.
Mandatory ScriptCheckWA registration
From June 2025, registration with ScriptCheckWA will become mandatory for all prescribers.
Stimulant medicines
GPs can now continue prescribing stimulant medications for patients without requiring authorisation, provided that:
- They confirm the patient is currently undergoing treatment via ScriptCheckWA;
- The patient has had contact with their specialist within the past three years (for adults) or 12 months (for children); and
- Dose adjustments are made based on written instructions from the specialist.
Medical cannabis
GPs no longer require authorisation from WA Health in most cases to prescribe cannabis, provided they hold TGA approval under the SAS or AP schemes. However, exceptions apply:
- Authorisation is still required for patients who are drug-dependent or under 18 years of age.
- High-dose prescriptions (over 40mg THC orally or 300mg THC inhaled) require specific authorisation for all practitioners.
Collaborative arrangements with nurse practitioners
For GPs working alongside nurse practitioners, the requirement for a signed collaborative arrangement for each patient has been removed.
For further details and guidance, consult the updated Prescribing Regulations and Code.
