Prescribing Rights for Registered Podiatrists
As advised to the profession during 2006, the Board formed a committee (with representatives from the Board, the Australian Podiatry Association (SA) and the University of South Australia) to consider the issue of prescribing rights. On 2 June 2006 the committee met with representatives from the Department of Health, the Controlled Substances Advisory Council [CSAC], and Drug & Alcohol Services SA, to discuss making a submission to extend prescribing rights to all suitably qualified podiatrists.
In late February 2007 a formal submission for an extension to prescribing rights was made to CSAC. In August 2007 additional information in support of this submission was requested, and this was provided to the Prescribers Advisory Committee of CSAC on 20 November 2007. The Board has been advised that this matter will again be considered by the Prescribers Advisory Committee in late December.
In summary, the submission proposes that podiatrists who have completed either Pharmacology PO 200 and Pharmacology PO 201 at University of South Australia (included in the current 4 year undergraduate course) or the Advanced Pharmacology for Podiatrists course at University of South Australia (for current registrants or those completing the three year degree) would be considered suitably qualified and able to prescribe the list of requested medications.
The Board will keep the profession advised of progress by using this "What's New" section of the website, and also it's email facility.
Christmas Closure
Please note that the office of the Board will be closed from 12noon on Friday 21 December 2007 and will re-open on Wednesday 2 January 2008.
The Board and staff wish everyone and Merry Christmas and a Safe & Happy New Year.