New Schedule 8 permit requirements for SafeScript users from 28 March 2021

New Schedule 8 permit requirements for SafeScript users from 28 March 2021

08 April, 2021

Schedule 8 permit Public Health Emergency Order (PHEO #6) will expire on 27 March 2021.

This PHEO was put in place on 26 March 2020 in response the COVID-19 pandemic and it removed the requirement for Schedule 8 permits for non-drug dependent patients conditional on prescribers taking all reasonable steps to check the SafeScript. From 28 March 2021 onwards, prescribers are required to apply for Schedule 8 permits for non-drug dependent patients unless one of the below exceptions applies. Under these exceptions, you are not required to apply for a Schedule 8 permit. You are reminded that you are still required to take all reasonable steps to check SafeScript prior to prescribing any Schedule 8 medicines.

Schedule 8 Permit Exceptions for Non-Drug Dependent Patients

Opioid analgesics

  • For the treatment of medical conditions where an opioid analgesic is required, provided the total daily dose of the opioid(s) included in the table below does not exceed 100mg morphine equivalent dose (MED).

Drug

Dose Form

HYDROMORPHONE

Oral

MORPHINE

Oral

OXYCODONE

Oral or Suppository

TAPENTADOL

Oral

BUPRENORPHINE

Patch

FENTANYL

Patch

  • Opioid analgesic in the treatment of pain caused by cancer or complication arising from cancer; and the diagnosis of pain caused by cancer or complications arising from cancer is made by a registered medical practitioner.

Psychostimulants

  • Paediatricians treating a patient less than 18 years old with a psychostimulant drug approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  • Consultant psychiatrists treating a patient with a psychostimulant drug approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Palliative care

  • For the intention of palliative care treatment where:

a) the person to be administered, supplied or prescribed the Schedule 8 poison is suffering an incurable, progressive, far-advanced disease or medical condition; and

b) the prognosis is of limited life expectancy due to the disease or medical condition; and

c) the administration, supply or prescribing of the Schedule 8 poison is intended to provide palliative treatment.

Further information regarding Schedule 8 permit requirements and SafeScript requirements.