AMAV VICDOC Winter 2024 - Magazine - Page 71
SAFESCRIPT REVIEW
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AMA Victoria has provided feedback to
the Department of Health/Deloitte’s review
of the SafeScript real-time prescription
monitoring system, expressing support
for its ongoing use.
However, our submission highlighted the
following as areas for improvement:
» Inclusion of medications like methadone
in SafeScript: concerns were raised about
methadone not being monitored, leading
to issues during times when regular
avenues for prescription access
are closed.
» Lack of information: challenges were
noted in verifying crucial medication
details, especially during after-hours or
when pharmacies are closed, impacting
emergency settings.
» Accessibility and connectivity issues:
dependence on reliable internet and
phone services posed challenges for
prescribers, particularly in settings with
limited connectivity. Issues with hospital
ICT systems further hindered SafeScript’s
effective use.
AMA Victoria will keep members update
on the progress of the review, including its
final recommendations.
VCAT — MEDICAL REPORT TEMPLATE —
GUARDIANSHIP LIST FORM — UPDATE
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AMAV has previously informed members
about concerns raised by AMA Victoria
regarding what we perceive as a common
practice at VCAT. This practice involves
‘requesting’ medical practitioners to
complete a form titled "Medical Report
Template - Guardianship List" while
remaining silent on the payment of
fees and unclear on legal protections
for practitioners.
We noted that this practice is unfair,
inappropriate, and, in the absence of
explicit legal protection on the form,
potentially exposes doctors to
unnecessary legal risk.
To address these concerns, we have
been working with VCAT to develop a
revised form, now updated on
VCAT’s website.
The updated version explicitly states
that providing VCAT with a medical report
means a practitioner is considered a
witness with legal protections as defined
by the VCAT Act. The revised form also
makes it clear that medical reports can
be provided in alternative formats, and
includes a section for practitioners to note
costs incurred, though VCAT still refuses
to pay for practitioners' time.
AMAV has advised members that while,
ultimately, VCAT has the authority to
request a report (as stated in the revised
form), members are not required to provide
a medical report unless specifically directed
by an order from VCAT.
This initiative is one of several
being pursued by AMAV to reduce the
administrative burden on GPs and other
medical practitioners.
VACCINE ORDERING UPDATE
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AMA Victoria has previously written to
members regarding the current availability
of flu and COVID vaccines. We relayed that
many practices have expressed frustration,
stating that they have been unable to place
orders for weeks, resulting in numerous
instances of turning away patients due to
insufficient supplies. We further informed
members that we reached out to the
Victoria Department of Health to explore
ways in which we can collaborate more
effectively to achieve the crucial goal of
enhancing vaccine access.
The Department has subsequently
advised that National Immunisation
Program (NIP) influenza vaccine ordering
limits have been lifted, marking a significant
success for AMA Victoria's advocacy.
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