Background
Pharmacists in Queensland are leading the way in accessible reproductive healthcare. Since the rollout of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot in July 2024, pharmacists in Queensland have been authorised to prescribe certain hormonal contraceptives, marking a milestone in pharmacy practice. As of 1 July 2025, this has transitioned into a permanent, business-as-usual service.
The expanded scope of practice is formally recognised under s232 of the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 (Qld) (MPA), which authorises pharmacists to undertake this role as part of their professional practice. It recognises pharmacists’ capabilities in delivering safe, evidence-based care in the community and provides a structured, well-supported regulatory framework for those participating.
What Does This Permanent Authority Allow?
Under the now permanent Extended Practice Authority – Pharmacist (EPA) framework, authorised pharmacists can prescribe:
- combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) (excluding preparations containing 50mcg or more or ethinylestradiol or preparations containing mestranol)
- progestogen-only pills (POPs)
- medroxyprogesterone acetate injections, and
- combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal rings (included once the EPA transitioned into a permanent service).
Prescribing remains limited to:
- women aged 16 years and older, and
- low-risk, non-complex cases (as defined by Queensland Health guidelines).
This expanded scope provides timely, convenient access to contraception, which is particularly valuable for patients in rural or underserviced areas, and reduces pressure on other primary health care providers.
Participation: What You Need
To provide services under the EPA, pharmacists must receive authorisation from Queensland Health.
Pharmacists must:
- complete approved training:
- developed for the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot
- delivered by a higher accreditation institution accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, or
- delivered by a training provider that meets the Australian Pharmacy Council’s ‘Standards for Continuing Professional Development Activities’ (for example, training via the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia or Australasian College of Pharmacy)
- have their name appear on the prescriber register maintained by the Department of Health for the hormonal contraception community pharmacy service
- practise from a pharmacy with a private consultation room available with seats and hand washing/sanitising facilities
- make a written prescription after making individualised clinical assessment, in accordance with the current version of the section of the Therapeutic Guidelines titled ‘Sexual and Reproductive Health: Contraception’, and
- implement clear referral and record-keeping processes.
Pharmacists must not prescribe, in one prescription, more than 12 months’ supply of a medicine.
These requirements ensure clinical quality, and support pharmacists with decision-making tools, referral pathways, and documentation protocols. The regulatory framework gives pharmacists clarity and confidence in their expanded role.
Managing Professional Responsibilities
Pharmacists are already trusted to make informed clinical decisions every day. The EPA builds on this foundation, supported by a clear and structured framework under the MPA. The legislation outlines what is expected in practice, and helps to ensure safe, consistent, and well-documented care.
To practise effectively within the EPA framework, pharmacists must:
- complete and maintain accredited training that covers clinical assessment, contraindications, patient counselling, and referral criteria
- follow approved clinical protocols, including the use of checklists and risk screening tools
- ensure accurate, contemporaneous record-keeping, including relevant clinical history, patient consent, clinical decisions, management plans, referrals, and follow-ups
- communicate appropriately with GPs and other practitioners, particularly when referring or advising on ongoing care, and
- practise only from approved premises, which include a private consultation room with access to sufficient equipment and documenting system.
Importantly, pharmacists are not expected to manage complex or high-risk cases. The EPA framework is designed to operate within clearly defined clinical boundaries, with referral pathways in place to ensure patients receive care from the most appropriate provider when needed.
The documentation requirements align with existing professional services that pharmacists already provide like vaccinations, medication reviews, or minor ailment programs.
Maintaining good records and adhering to the clinical protocol not only supports continuity of care but also ensures that pharmacists remain well within their scope of authorised practice.
Why Continue to Participate (or Start Now)?
Participating in the EPA allows pharmacists to:
- deliver a greater health impact through expanded scope
- strengthen relationships with patients and GPs through collaborative care
- demonstrate leadership in preventative and primary care, and
- future-proof their role as the profession evolves nationally.
Looking Ahead
With the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot now permanently integrated into Queensland’s healthcare system, pharmacists can embrace their expanded role with long-term certainty. This transition underscores the significant value, expertise, and leadership that pharmacists contribute to primary care, enhancing access to essential health services for the community.
If you would like tailored advice on how this program may affect your role as a practitioner, please contact a member of our team.
Further information
This article was written by Principal Scott Ames and Associate Won Jang. For further information or advice on any related matters please contact Scott.
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