Wednesday, 1 July 2026
AMA opposes pharmacist prescribing, Funding boost for ADHD assessments, New bulk-billing clinics in Canberra
- 01
AMA Opposes Pharmacy Board's Draft Prescribing Endorsement
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has expressed strong opposition to the Pharmacy Board of Australia's draft prescribing endorsement for pharmacists, with 93% of surveyed members against the proposal. The AMA criticises the lack of substantial evidence for patient safety and warns that the endorsement could lead to significant changes in the healthcare system. The draft allows pharmacists to self-determine their prescribing scope and includes options for prescribing various scheduled medicines, raising concerns about the adequacy of pharmacist training. The AMA argues that pharmacists lack the necessary clinical experience compared to medical practitioners and highlights potential risks associated with prescribing controlled substances.
- 02
NSW GPs to Receive Funding for ADHD Assessments
GPs in New South Wales can apply for grants to enhance their ADHD assessment capabilities, following a new funding initiative announced by the state's health minister. Eligible GPs who have completed endorsed prescriber training can receive up to $600 per patient for diagnosing and managing ADHD, as part of a $1.5 million program. The funding aims to reduce the financial burden on patients, who currently face high out-of-pocket costs for psychiatric assessments. The initiative is part of a broader $11.7 million state package to improve access to ADHD care, particularly in high-disadvantage and rural areas. Free ADHD assessments at select GP clinics are anticipated to be available from early 2027.
- 03
New bulk-billing clinics open in Canberra amid funding concerns
Three new universal bulk-billing clinics have opened in Canberra, supported by a $10.5 million federal initiative aimed at improving the ACT's low bulk billing rates. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that the initiative seeks to attract and upskill approximately 10 GPs per clinic. However, local GPs, including Dr John Deery, have raised concerns about the viability of bulk billing without government grants, suggesting it indicates a failure of the model. The ACT currently has the lowest national universal bulk billing rate at 54.1%, and the new clinics will increase the total number of such practices in the region to 23.
- 04
NIP Expands Coverage for Adult Pneumococcal Vaccines
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) has expanded its eligibility criteria to include new adult pneumococcal vaccines. This change also extends coverage to individuals with more chronic diseases. The development is significant for public health and vaccination practices in general practice.
- 05
Australia relaxes rules for MDMA and psilocybin therapy
Australia has relaxed regulations allowing authorised psychiatrists to administer psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression and MDMA for PTSD, with the requirement for psychiatrists to remain in the room during therapy now lifted. A therapist, such as a clinical psychologist or nurse, must still be present, along with a second staff member. This change follows strong public and interest group lobbying, despite concerns from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists regarding patient safety. The treatments remain experimental, with limited evidence on their efficacy and safety.
- 06
E-cigarette use post-smoking cessation linked to lung cancer risk
A large Korean study indicates that individuals who use e-cigarettes after quitting traditional smoking may reduce the health benefits typically gained from cessation. The research, published in Nature Medicine, analysed data from over 4.5 million people and found that ex-smokers who used e-cigarettes had a higher likelihood of developing lung cancer and dying from it compared to those who did not use e-cigarettes. The study suggests that while e-cigarettes may contain carcinogenic substances, they could still present lower exposure to toxicants than traditional cigarettes. However, the findings do not negate the overall health benefits of quitting smoking.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.