Pharmacy Ownership

How many pharmacies can I own?

Section 139(H) of the Pharmacists Registration Act 2001 limits the number of Queensland Pharmacies in which a registrant can hold a pecuniary interest to five (5). Click here for a copy of section 139.

Can a family trust hold a pecuniary interest in a pharmacy?

The Pharmacists Registration Act 2001 has recently been amended with respect to pharmacy ownership. Click here for a copy of the Board's advice.

What do I do if my ownership details are changing?

You must advise the Board of any change in your (or your partner/s) ownership details on the Board's Change of Ownership form. The Board will then provide confirmation to Medicare Australia that the proposed change does not breach the Pharmacists Registration Act 2001

You must also contact Medicare Australia to obtain its approval form/s.

What is a change of ownership?

A change of ownership details includes but is not limited to the following:

• selling a share or part thereof:
• you sell your full share;
• you sell part of your share;
• your partner sells their full share;
• your partner sells part of their share;
• Purchasing a share or part thereof:
• you purchase a full share;
• you purchase a part share;
• your partner purchases your full share;
• your partner purchases a larger part share;
• Opening, relocating etc
• you open a new pharmacy;
• you relocate your pharmacy (even if only a temporary relocation);
• you close your pharmacy;
• you renovate your pharmacy space (increasing or decreasing the size of your pharmacy).

Please note: "share" includes limited partnership.