The rise of digital health services in Australia has transformed how patients access healthcare—including prescriptions. As online consultations and e-prescriptions become more common, healthcare providers must stay informed about the legal, clinical, and technical requirements governing online prescribing.
This guide outlines the key regulations, frameworks, and best practices for safe and lawful online prescribing in Australia.
1. Key Regulatory Bodies
Online prescribing in Australia is governed by a mix of federal and state/territory laws, supported by various regulatory bodies:
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – Oversees the registration and conduct of prescribers (doctors, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, etc.).
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Regulates the safety and availability of medicines and medical devices.
- Medical Board of Australia – Issues professional standards and guidelines for medical practitioners.
- State/Territory Health Departments – Set local laws, especially around controlled substances and pharmacy operation.
- Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) – Oversees digital health infrastructure, including My Health Record and electronic prescribing systems.
2. Who Can Prescribe Medications Online?
To prescribe medications online in Australia, the prescriber must:
- Be a registered medical practitioner (e.g., GP, specialist, nurse practitioner) with AHPRA.
- Prescribe within their scope of practice.
- Be located in Australia, and in many cases, licensed in the same state or territory as the patient (especially for Schedule 8 medicines).
- Use secure, appropriate telehealth platforms for consultations.
3. Online Prescribing Standards
The Medical Board of Australia and Pharmacy Board have issued clear expectations for safe online prescribing. Key requirements include:
a. Sufficient Clinical Information
- Prescribers must collect adequate information to make a safe clinical decision.
- This may involve reviewing medical history, current medications, allergies, and patient concerns.
- A video consultation is preferred over text-based questionnaires alone.
b. Informed Consent
- Patients must receive information about the medication, potential risks, side effects, and alternatives.
- Consent must be voluntary and documented.
c. Proper Record-Keeping
- Prescribers must maintain accurate and complete records of consultations and prescriptions.
- Integration with My Health Record is encouraged where appropriate.
4. Electronic Prescribing (eRx)
Australia officially rolled out electronic prescribing in 2020. This allows prescribers to issue paperless prescriptions via a token system (SMS or email) that patients can use at participating pharmacies.
Key points:
- ePrescriptions are legal and valid across Australia.
- Prescribers must use compliant clinical software (e.g., Best Practice, MedicalDirector).
- Pharmacies must be enabled to dispense from tokens.
5. Controlled Drugs and Schedule 8 Medicines
Prescribing Schedule 8 drugs (e.g., opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines) online is tightly regulated:
- Some states require prior approval or permits (e.g., NSW, QLD).
- Prescribers may need to notify or obtain consent from the patient’s regular GP.
- Video consultation is typically mandatory, and prescribing based solely on an online form is not permitted.
6. Pharmacy Regulation for Online Dispensing
Online pharmacies must:
- Be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
- Operate from a licensed premises in a specific state/territory.
- Adhere to Professional Practice Standards and Good Dispensing Practice.
- Follow the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code—POMs (Prescription Only Medicines) cannot be advertised to the public.
7. Advertising and Commercial Restrictions
Australian law strictly regulates how medicines and prescribing services can be advertised:
- Prescription medicines cannot be promoted to consumers by name or therapeutic claim.
- Health practitioners must not make misleading or exaggerated claims online.
- All marketing must comply with the TGA’s advertising code and AHPRA’s advertising guidelines.
8. Common Pitfalls and Enforcement Trends
The Medical Board and Pharmacy Council have taken disciplinary action against practitioners and businesses for:
- Prescribing without a proper consultation
- Using automated systems to issue prescriptions
- Failing to check a patient’s medical history or medication use
- Issuing high-risk medicines without clinical justification
Increased scrutiny is being placed on weight loss clinics, men’s health platforms, and mental health services that prescribe medications online without adequate safeguards.
9. Best Practices for Online Prescribers
To stay compliant and ensure safe patient care:
- Use video consultations wherever possible
- Implement secure systems for identity verification and record-keeping
- Develop clear SOPs and clinical guidelines for prescribing decisions
- Ensure all staff are trained in telehealth and regulatory compliance
- Stay updated on state-specific rules for controlled drugs and telehealth provision
Conclusion
Online prescribing in Australia offers a flexible and patient-centred model of care—but it must be practiced responsibly. With increasing regulation and oversight, prescribers and businesses must ensure they are not only meeting legal requirements, but also upholding the highest clinical standards.
By combining robust technology, thoughtful patient engagement, and ongoing regulatory awareness, online prescribing can remain a safe and sustainable part of Australia’s healthcare future.
