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The form used to apply, renew or amend an authority under the Controlled Substances Act
It is an offence to prescribe or supply (including administering from the prescribers’ own supply), drugs of dependence for a patient’s regular use during a period exceeding two months without an authority from the Minister.
Treatment provided by other prescribers must be considered when calculating the two-month period.
Treating drug dependence, be it illicit, licit or iatrogenic dependence, requires an authority from the Minister in the first instance; it is an offence to prescribe for this purpose without an authority for any period.
Applications must be made to the Minister via the Drugs of Dependence Unit. Applications are to be made in writing only and signed by the applying prescriber.
You now have the option to apply for your authority directly via ScriptCheck SA. See the ScriptCheck SA fact sheet (PDF 589KB) for instructions.
More information, including the forms are all available on the Legal requirements for the prescription and supply of drugs of dependence page
An authority is not required when prescribing or supplying a drug of dependence in the following circumstances:
Veterinary surgeons are not required to hold an authority to treat animal patients.
An authority granted under section 18A of the Act stipulates the conditions under which drugs of dependence must be prescribed, including dosage and quantity. It is not the same as an authority issued by Medicare Australia that issues its authorities for the subsidy of medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Please refer to the PBS information line for more information on 1800 020 613.
Our primary focus in regulating controlled drugs is to limit public health harms associated with drug dependence, misuse and drug diversion. All applications for authority are considered on a case-by-case basis. While clinical appropriateness of opioid therapy rests with the treating practitioner, documented relevant specialist medical practitioner support may be required in some instances. Some examples include: high doses, young patients, patients with a history of substance misuse and patients with pain conditions that are not usually responsive to opioids.
Through the MATOD (Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence) Program accredited prescribers may apply for authority to prescribe methadone or buprenorphine for the treatment of drug dependence.
Unaccredited prescribers may apply for authority to prescribe Suboxone® film for up to TEN patients for the treatment of drug dependence.
Schedule 8 stimulant medicines including dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate have legitimate therapeutic uses, but also the potential for addiction or abuse.
Stimulant medicines stimulate the central nervous system by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain and are used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) and less often to treat depression or acquired brain injury.
Diagnosis and initial application for authority to prescribe Schedule 8 stimulants should be made by a relevant AHPRA recognised specialist medical practitioner (eg. paediatrician, psychiatrist, neurologist or respiratory physician).
A general practitioner (GP) will not usually be granted an authority to prescribe schedule 8 stimulants without the explicit written support of a relevant specialist medical practitioner and;
A specialist cannot direct a GP to prescribe a medication – the decision to prescribe a drug remains the clinical and professional responsibility of the individual GP.
Determining the severity of ADHD is a matter for clinical judgement, taking into account the severity of impairment, pervasiveness, individual factors and familial and social context.
Stimulant dose should be titrated against the patient’s clinical need and treatment should be part of a comprehensive program addressing psychological, behavioural and educational or occupational needs.
Stimulant treatment for people who misuse other substances should be carefully monitored. Substance misuse may include current or past IV drug use, illicit amphetamine use or drug or alcohol dependence.
The risk of misuse and diversion of prescribed stimulants may be increased for patients with a history of substance abuse and the decision to use stimulants requires an individual risk-benefit assessment. Specific consideration should be given to:
Treatment should generally be overseen by a psychiatrist. General Practitioners should forward any relevant specialist reports with the application if seeking an authority to prescribe flunitrazepam or alprazolam.
An authority is required when treatment exceeds 14 days of inpatient treatment or discharge medication. Treatment should generally be overseen by a paediatrician in a neonatal unit.
Medical practitioners in South Australia can legally prescribe medicinal cannabis medicines with relevant State and Commonwealth approvals.
Existing South Australian Controlled Substances legislation regulates the prescribing and supply of Schedule 8 medicines in South Australia applies to Schedule 8 medicinal cannabis drugs.
For more information about the patient access pathway to medicinal cannabis in South Australia:
Department of Health and Ageing
Email: medicinal.cannabis@sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8226 6169
A prescriber working in the same practice as the authority holder (authorised prescriber) can act as a locum and continue to prescribe treatment in the short term absence of the authorised prescriber. Prescribing must comply with the conditions of the authority.
Note: this also applies to prescribing treatment (as a locum) via the Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) program. Locums prescribing MATOD treatment should continue treatment according to the plan and dosage regimen set out by the authorised prescriber. Significant changes should not be initiated by a locum and may require consultation and clinical support from Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) on (08) 7087 1742.
All prescriptions must include:
In addition to the above, MATOD prescriptions should also include the:
More information is available on the Legal requirements for the prescription and supply of drugs of dependence page
Prescriptions for drugs of dependence may be sent by fax for a pharmacist to dispense, but generally must be followed with the original prescription being forwarded to the pharmacist within 24 hours of faxing the prescription. However, a faxed prescription that has been endorsed with the name and address of a single pharmacy that may dispense the prescription does not need to be followed-up with a confirmatory prescription.
Information is available on ways you can recognise and handle people who are drug dependent. This fact sheet includes
There are appeal options for administrative decisions made by the Drugs of Dependence Unit. The appeal options vary for patients and doctors. More information is available on the appeal options page.
For assistance and support on clinical issues, contact the DACAS on telephone (08) 7087 1742.
DACAS is a 24 hours a day 7 days/week including public holidays service for doctors, nurses and other health professionals seeking medical advice in managing people experiencing alcohol or other drug-related problems.