Valid prescriptions
Pharmacists must ensure that all OST prescriptions are complete, legal and valid Schedule 8 prescriptions. Prescriptions must also adhere to the standard CPOP format and include:
- specific dates to start and finish dosing;
- next appointment date;
- nominated pharmacy;
- exact daily dose (in milligrams: mg);
- number of unsupervised doses allowed each week (if applicable).
Patient identification
Pharmacists must positively identify the client before each dose.Prescribers are to provide an endorsed photograph of the client with the first prescription. The relevant contact client addresses and phone numbers should be kept up to date.
Before Dosing
Prior to each dose the original prescription and the client’s dosing record should be reviewed in person.
Missed doses may not be replaced and clients should be referred back to their prescriber. Vomited doses are not replaced unless authorised in writing by the prescriber.
Patients should not be dosed if intoxicated.