A new Queensland regulatory framework for medicines and poisons will come into effect on 27 September 2021. This new framework, which replaces the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (Qld), has been in development for many years. The new Regulations can be accessed here.

While it is not anticipated that the day-to-day work of nurses and midwives will be impacted by the new framework, there are some changes that nurses and midwives should be familiar with. These include:

• The use of Substance Management Plans, which set out how an organisation will manage the risks associated with the use of regulated substances in the organisation.
• The transition of Rural and Isolated Practice Registered Nurse (RIPRN) from NMBA endorsement to an Extended Practice Authority (EPA) to supply and administer under protocol.
• EPAs – authorises specified classes of approved persons in stated circumstances to supply or administer specified scheduled medicines without a prescription under an EPA approved by the chief executive.
• Real-time prescription monitoring.

More information on the above will be provided to QNMU members once QNMU Officials have reviewed the final form of the Regulations. 

While there have been many iterations of the new Act and Regulation, the QNMU has maintained:

• that medication management and medication administration is a role for nurses and midwives, with unregulated care workers restricted to medication assistance (with that distinction and what it means clearly articulated).
• that the new framework should address issues of ambiguity in the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (Qld) (e.g.: what constitutes medication assistance).
• the new framework should be model legislation and set the standard (particularly now that the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission have been released).

The QNMU has consulted extensively with Queensland Health over a long period of time in relation to these important issues. The QNMU will continue to advocate for these broad principles that we believe are essential for patient, resident and client safety.

We remain concerned about how unregulated care workers (for example in the aged care sector, and medication administration and assistance) are regulated. The QNMU has written to Queensland’s Minister for Health outlining our concerns on behalf of members and will monitor the impact of the new regulatory framework on all sectors, including aged care. 

Queensland Health has indicated that education and information resources will be prepared for clinicians, which may be used during the implementation period for the new regulatory framework. 

If you have any concerns about this, please email [email protected]