Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a Pharmacist have to be in the Pharmacy at all times?

A pharmacist is entitled to take a break during their working day. However no dispensing can occur during this break if a pharmacist is not on the premises.

2. How long do Pharmacists have to keep electronic records or paper records?

2 years.

3. How long does a pharmacist have to keep controlled drug records?

2 years.

4. What are the distances involved between pharmacies when opening a new pharmacy?

Contact the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority on 1800 177 099 or 07 3360 2999.

5. If someone wants to buy a pharmacy where can they locate a list of pharmacies for sale?

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Qld); Major pharmaceutical wholesalers and Pharmacy Brokers.

6. If someone is querying the cost of a particular drug in Australia who do they ring?

Ring either the:

  • Pharmacy Guild of Australia (National) 61 2 6270 1888
  • Health Insurance Commission 61 7 3004 5333

7. Who does a pharmacist contact to obtain a Manufacturing Chemist Licence?

Qld Health - 07 3234 0967

8. How many Pharmacy Dispensary Technicians per Pharmacist are permitted in each pharmacy?

The number of dispensary assistants that a pharmacist can adequately supervise should not normally exceed two per pharmacist. (The Board however recognises that future work re-design initiatives may result in models where it is considered reasonable for a pharmacist to supervise a number of dispensary assistants. In such cases the Board could consider such arrangements on a case by case basis. It is also recognised in some community pharmacies, depending on workload, that an individual may be a "dispensary assistant" for some time and a "pharmacy (shop) assistant" at other times. Alternatively, several members of staff may be trained "dispensary assistants" and work in that capacity on a roster basis.)

9. Are there any training requirements for dispensary technicians?

The Board recognises Dispensary Technician courses offered by the Pharmacy Guild, the Pharmaceutical Society and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

10. What requirements are necessary within a Pharmacy?

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11. Where can I obtain copies of required texts?

  1. The Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulations 1996 (as amended)
  2. The Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (as amended)
  3. The Pharmacists Registration Act 2001 (as amended)
  4. The Pharmacists Registration Regulation 2001 (as amended)
  5. Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits (Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme).

The above legislation can be accessed, or downloaded from www.legislation.qld.gov.au

You will be able to purchase 2 above from The Therapeutic Goods Administration, telephone 1800 020 653.

The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits can be purchased from National Capital Printing, telephone: (02) 6283 0055.