Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:42 PM AWST

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Assist in dispensing prescriptions

Assist in dispensing prescriptions

Unit of competency
National Code
SIRCDIS003
State Code
AWX85
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
31/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/09/2016
Field of Education
060501 - Pharmacy
Original Release Date
13/09/2016
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist pharmacists with the preparation of prescription medicines. It requires the ability to check patient and prescription details; operate a computerised dispensing system; and select, label and despatch medicines from the dispensary after a pharmacist has checked all details.This unit applies to dispensary assistants working in community pharmacies. When dispensing prescribed medications they work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and their role is limited to those dispensing functions that do not require them to exercise professional pharmaceutical judgement or discretion.This unit incorporates the requirement for pharmacy assistants to comply with federal, state and territory law and Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for supplying scheduled Pharmacy Medicines (S2) and Pharmacist Only Medicines (S3). At the time of publication, they are not, however, required to hold an occupational licence or to be certified as competent in this unit to dispense scheduled medicines.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Check prescription details.
  • 1.1.Follow organisational procedures for dispensing prescription medicines throughout dispensing process.
  • 1.2.Accept and action in a logical and time-efficient sequence to serve customers effectively.
  • 1.3.Check prescriptions for legality, validity and completeness.
  • 1.4.Refer incomplete or invalid prescriptions to pharmacist for action with clear information about any discrepancies.
  • 1.5.Identify situations requiring pharmacist clarification and ask questions to obtain instruction.
2. Record prescription information.
  • 2.1.Enter patient, prescription and entitlement details from original prescription into dispensary computer system.
  • 2.2.Check electronic data entry for match to patient and prescription details.
  • 2.3.Recognise dispensary system alerts of medication and patient issues and refer to pharmacist for resolution.
  • 2.4.Use computer software to select and record brand changes.
  • 2.5.Accurately enter prescriber’s specific directions for medication label.
  • 2.6.Generate one printed label for each pack, repeat authorisations and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
3. Select and label prescribed medications.
  • 3.1.Use original prescription to accurately select medications manually or robotically and to check medication form, strength and quantity.
  • 3.2.Check printed label for directions for use, drug strength and quantity against original prescription and correct identified errors.
  • 3.3.Apply printed labels and appropriate cautionary and advisory labels to each pack.
  • 3.4.Ensure pharmacy labels do not obscure important information on manufacturer label.
4. Assemble prescribed medications and finalise documentation.
  • 4.1.Assemble prescribed medicines with all relevant documentation and counselling aids.
  • 4.2.Present dispensed items and prescription to pharmacist for verification.
  • 4.3.Place in a container that leaves all items visible.
  • 4.4.Place container in pharmacy-designated private collection location for return of prescription medication to customer.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD886 SIRCDIS303 Assist in dispensing prescriptions Unit of competency