The Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA) regulates the ownership and operation of pharmacy businesses, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots in Victoria.
The Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA) regulates the ownership and operation of pharmacy businesses, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots in Victoria.
The VPA’s performance measurement framework includes information on its activities and intended outcomes. This includes targets under the Ministerial Statement of Expectations, service standards and statistics on VPA activities. A performance report is included on a quarterly basis.
Welcome to the VPA’s December circular.
In this circular, we include information on the VPA’s approach to pharmacy franchising in the context of recent industry developments. On behalf of the members of the VPA, I reiterate our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Victorian pharmacies are owned, operated and controlled only by registered pharmacists.
Other focus areas relate to compounding, including sterile compounding, and medicinal cannabis. We highlight important considerations for pharmacists considering compounding medicinal cannabis, and information on sterile compounding following the recent TGA alert about compounded semaglutide-like products. There is also important information about holding stock of medicinal cannabis.
A highlight of this year has been the introduction of a new, improved inspection program, which focuses on compliance with the VPA Standards. We look forward to providing further information about our new approach to inspections in the new year.
At this time of the year, we remind proprietors to renew your AHPRA registration by 31 December if you haven‘t already done so, given the significant implications of a lapsed registration on a licensee’s eligibility to continue to hold a pharmacy business licence.
On behalf of the VPA members and staff, I wish you a happy and safe festive season and best wishes for the new year.
David McConville
Chair
The VPA’s performance measurement framework includes information on its activities and intended outcomes. This includes targets under the Ministerial Statement of Expectations, service standards and statistics on VPA activities. A performance report is included on a quarterly basis.
This circular includes information to remind stakeholders about the VPA’s approach to licence applications involving new and complex commercial arrangements; a part of the way we ensure that all Victorian pharmacies are owned, operated, and controlled only by registered pharmacists. There is also an update on improvements to the inspection program.
Licensees are reminded of standard conditions on all licences requiring them to notify the VPA of proposed changes to pharmacy commercial arrangements, and of distributions made to a beneficiary under a pharmacy trust arrangement.
VPA inspectors encourage licensees and pharmacists to review their dose administration aid procedures to ensure they comply with the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s Guidelines on dose administration aids and staged supply of dispensed medicines. There are also key lessons for licensees from recent panel hearings, including the risks high workloads pose for patient safety.
I am also pleased to share that the Pharmacy services self-audit tool: Immunisation site readiness is now available to assist pharmacies that offer immunisation services to meet their obligations and support good pharmacy practice. This self-audit tool was codesigned by the VPA and Victorian Department of Health.
David McConville
Chair
The VPA’s performance measurement framework includes information on its activities and intended outcomes. This includes targets under the Ministerial Statement of Expectations, service standards and statistics on VPA activities. A performance report is included on a quarterly basis.
Welcome to the VPA’s first circular for 2023.
The VPA recently conducted targeted inspections of pharmacies dispensing high volumes of medicinal cannabis in collaboration with Medicines and Poisons Regulation branch, Department of Health. Key observations are highlighted in this circular. This area will remain an area of focus for the VPA.
An online survey is now available for licensees and pharmacists to provide feedback following an inspection as part of the VPA’s commitment to improving its processes and internal training.
There is a reminder from VPA inspectors to check that the premises has a current and complete set of reference texts and that the pharmacy is ready to meet the increased vaccination workload in the coming months. The circular also includes a summary of recent panel hearings.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Connie Greco for her hard work and significant contributions to the VPA as a Program Officer and inspector. Connie was with the VPA since its inception in 2010 and prior to that she was the Education Officer for the Pharmacy Board of Victoria. She will be greatly missed and we wish her all the best in her next endeavours.
David McConville
Chair
