Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:39 PM AWST

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Dispense prescriptions and medication orders

Dispense prescriptions and medication orders

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPHA012
State Code
OEI18
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/11/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/06/2023
Field of Education
060501 - Pharmacy
Original Release Date
15/06/2023
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to accept and check the validity of prescriptions and medication orders, and to assist an authorised person by preparing labels, assembling products and completing documentation.This unit applies to hospital or health services pharmacy assistants and technicians working under the supervision of an authorised person.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Accept order for dispensing.
  • 1.1. Receive prescription or medication order and complete and confirm patient details.
  • 1.2. Identify the prescriber and initiate source for the purpose of costing and data entry.
  • 1.3. Read documentation to confirm the legality, validity and completeness of the prescription or medication order.
  • 1.4. Follow procedures to deal with contraventions of law.
  • 1.5. Identify if patient is eligible to access the medication through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
  • 1.6. Identify and report discrepancies to an authorised person.
  • 1.7. Provide information to patient about dispensing expectations in terms of availability, time and cost, including alternative dispensing options if there are delays or medication availability issues.
2. Ensure clinical evaluation by an authorised person.
  • 2.1. Complete required documentation in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) or organisational policies prior to dispensing.
  • 2.2. Refer prescription or medication order to an authorised person for clinical evaluation.
  • 2.3. Confirm an authorised person has completed a clinical evaluation before filling the order.
3. Prepare for labelling of medication.
  • 3.1. Enter dispensing data into the pharmacy dispensing application or system and check accuracy against documentation.
  • 3.2. Follow procedures to deal with contraventions of law.
  • 3.3. Generate label, and cautionary and advisory labels to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
  • 3.4. Check information on labels for accuracy and clarity against dispensing requirements including any requirements for externally sourced compounded products.
  • 3.5. Alert an authorised person about any relevant warnings from the pharmacy dispensing application or system.
4. Assemble items.
  • 4.1. Interpret prescription or medication order requirements and refer to an authorised person where details or quantities are unclear.
  • 4.2. Select prescribed products in the correct quantities of each item, according to prescription or medication order, ensuring expiry date is appropriate.
  • 4.3. Use barcode scanning technology during the dispensing process according to Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for Dispensing Medicines.
  • 4.4. Pack and label correct quantities into a suitable container with correct and clear labelling.
  • 4.5. Check packed item for accuracy and visibility of expiry date.
  • 4.6. Check package integrity to ensure sterility of externally sourced compounded products.
  • 4.7. Annotate the prepared order, written or electronic, with the quantity supplied, signature and date, ready for checking by an authorised person.
  • 4.8. Self-check work to ensure accuracy of assembled items.
  • 4.9. Arrange items for an easy and complete check by an authorised person.
5. Finalise dispensing of medication.
  • 5.1. Verify that prescription or medication order is checked and signed by an authorised person.
  • 5.2. Ensure prescription or medication order is stored appropriately prior to collection or delivery.
  • 5.3. Complete accurate final documentation.
  • 5.4. Record relevant information and statistics according to workplace requirements.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AUZ93 HLTPHA003 Assist with dispensing of prescriptions and medication orders Unit of competency