Continued Dispensing
Continued Dispensing is the supply of an eligible PBS medicine to a patient who has an immediate need for the medicine but is unable to provide a prescription. In order to provide a Continued Dispensing supply, the pharmacist must be satisfied that the patient has previously had the medicine prescribed; therapy is stable and the prescribe has performed clinical review that supports continuation of the medicine; and the medicine is safe and appropriate for the patient.
PBS medicines eligible for Continued Dispensing were originally limited to oral hormonal contraceptives and statins. Emergency measures that were in place starting in 2020 are ceasing as of 30 June 2022. Ongoing Continued Dispensing arrangements will be expanded from 1 July 2022 as recommended by the PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee). The additional medicines recommended by the PBAC are predominantly chronic disease medicines (such as those used to treat asthma, lung disease, heart disease) and supplied under the PBS General Schedule (s85). However the PBAC also endorsed the inclusion of medicines for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which are available under the s100 Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) Program.
For guidelines on Continued Dispensing, see:
- Guidelines: Continued dispensing (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia)
- Education guide - Continued Dispensing Initiative - PBS requirements (Australian Government Department of Human Services)
Continued Dispensing applies to S90 Community Pharmacies only. S92 Dispensing Doctors and S94 Private Hospital Pharmacies cannot supply under Continued Dispensing.
For a Continued Dispensing supply to be completed and successfully claimed, your AHPRA number must be recorded in Fred Dispense on the Pharmacist Details screen (Lists menu > Pharmacists).