New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

POISONS AND THERAPEUTIC GOODS REGULATION 2008 - REG 80

80 Form of prescription

(1) A person who issues a prescription for a drug of addiction must ensure that the prescription includes the following details--

(a) the date on which it is issued,

(b) the name, date of birth and address of the patient or (if the treatment is for an animal) the species of animal and the name and address of the animal's owner,

(c) the name, strength and quantity (expressed in both words and figures) of the drug to be supplied,

(d) adequate directions for use,

(e) the maximum number of times the drug may be supplied on the prescription,

(f) the intervals at which the drug may be supplied on the prescription,

(g) if the prescription is issued at a hospital, the name and designation of the person by whom it is issued and the name, address and telephone number of the hospital,

(h) if the prescription is issued elsewhere than at a hospital, the name and designation of the person by whom it is issued and the address and telephone number of the premises at which it is issued,

(i) if the drug of addiction is a type A drug of addiction and the person holds an authority to issue the prescription under section 29 of the Act or Part 8 of this Regulation, the reference number of the authority.

(2) The details referred to in subclause (1)(a)-(f) must be made out--

(a) in the handwriting of the person by whom the prescription is issued, or

(b) in such other manner as may be approved for the time being by the Secretary,

and the prescription must be signed by the person by whom it is issued.

(3) The person by whom the prescription is issued must confirm any dose that could be regarded as being dangerous or unusual by underlining the part of the prescription that specifies the intended dose and by initialling the prescription in the margin.

(4) A person must not issue a prescription that includes--

(a) more than one preparation containing a drug of addiction, or

(b) both a preparation containing a drug of addiction and another preparation.

(5) The Secretary may, by order in writing, exempt any person or drug of addiction, or any class of persons or drugs of addiction, from any or all of the requirements of this clause.

(6) Such an exemption may be given unconditionally or subject to conditions.

: Maximum penalty--20 penalty units.