10 extra CPD hours not enough to ensure ‘competence’ of non-medical prescribers, RACGP says
The RACGP is not pushing for a specific number of extra CPD hours but says 10 hours would be inadequate.
RNs or pharmacists who are allowed to prescribe S4 drugs should have to do much more CPD than others in their profession, the RACGP says.
With Australia’s first RN prescribers potentially qualifying around December, and plans for national regulation of pharmacist prescribers, AHPRA has been consulting on whether its CPD rules need updating.
Currently, nurses or midwives must do 20 hours of CPD a year, plus 10 extra hours if they hold an ‘endorsement’ for expanded scope — for example, if they are nurse practitioners or prescribing midwives. The extra hours must be related to their extra scope.
Pharmacists generally must record 40 CPD ‘credits’ a year. An hour of CPD can be worth 1-3 credits, depending on what it involves.
