PBAC rejects ban on GP antipsychotic prescribing in aged care
It follows a campaign by doctor groups warning of the potential for reduced access to care
GPs will not be banned from initiating antipsychotic scripts in aged care, after the PBAC warned of a “substantial risk of unintended consequences”.
Last year, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended only psychiatrists and geriatricians should be allowed to prescribe the drugs, with GPs limited to writing repeats within 12 months of the initial script.
It followed claims of “widespread use of chemical restraints in the purported care of many older people”, with research suggesting 22% of aged care residents are prescribed antipsychotics on a regular basis.
In response, the Federal Government said it supported the proposal “in principle”, although it would refer it to the PBAC for review.
