QScript look-up and Monitored Medicines Standard legislative requirements are changing
In February 2024, Queensland Health’s public consultation on proposed legislative amendments to mandatory QScript look-up requirements and the Monitored Medicines Standard took place. Please find below a summary of the consultation findings and outcomes.
217 submissions were received from health practitioners, patients, peak bodies, specialist colleges, professional unions and other key stakeholder groups. This feedback was invaluable in informing legislative drafting, identifying practical considerations and determining the types of resources required to ensure health practitioners understand their legislative obligations.
Overall, there was solid support for the proposed changes, with over 90% of respondents supporting the QScript look-up exemptions and over 75% of respondents supporting the amended Monitored Medicines Standard.
Following consultation, Queensland Health progressed legislative amendments which were approved by Governor in Council on 24 April 2024. As a result:
From 1 July 2024:
- relevant practitioners will be exempted from the mandatory requirement to check QScript in specified low-risk circumstances; and
- a new version of the Monitored Medicines Standard will come into effect.
Queensland Health has published a fact sheet about the changes on the QScript landing page and on the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 Fact sheets and supporting documents page.
Additional resources will be made available in the coming months, and the Monitored Medicines and Compliance Unit will provide further advice about the impending changes.
For further information about the changes, please view the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Amendment Regulation 2024 or associated Explanatory Notes, or contact the Monitored Medicines and Compliance Unit, Queensland Public Health and Scientific Services: MMU@health.qld.gov.au
