As the RACGP continues to push for expanded prescribing rights following its recent TGA application, international evidence suggests Australian patients could benefit significantly from GP-led treatment — if proper safeguards are in place.

While Australia restricts isotretinoin prescribing to dermatologists, most comparable healthcare systems have taken a different approach.

New Zealand leads the way. Since 2009, GPs and nurse practitioners have prescribed isotretinoin with remarkable results. Today, primary care clinicians issue 79% of all isotretinoin prescriptions — nearly doubling annual usage and dramatically improving access for Māori, Pacific and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Importantly, no evidence of increased adverse outcomes has emerged from the New Zealand experience, suggesting that safety protocols can be maintained across prescriber types.