Electronic Transfer of Prescription (ETP) Release 1.1 draft

6 September 2010. Australia’s first national electronic prescription system has moved a step closer following the release of updated draft specifications. The suite of documents plans for a national framework and will be available for public comment until 15 October 2010.

The latest release expands on previous versions in three key areas, extending the transfer of prescriptions to a wider range of care settings including hospitals and residential care facilities, and addressing instances where the medications are supplied based on informal instruction from a prescriber before a formal prescription (owing script) is provided. It also introduces the transfer of fully electronic prescriptions signed with a prescriber’s digital signature.
 
Version 1.1 follows signing of the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement between the Federal Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which incorporates a subsidy of 15 cents for each prescription dispensed. This will help pharmacists offset the cost of changing to electronic prescriptions and includes a requirement for prescription exchange vendors to comply with NEHTA specifications within two years of the final specifications being released.
 
The latest updates are being incorporated into NEHTA’s Reference Platform which provides a technical support environment to assist software developers. Final specifications are expected to be published in December 2010 for early adopter implementation.
 
NEHTA is working closely with Standards Australia to progress development of the specifications. It is also collaborating with other agencies, and States and Territories health jurisdictions, to ensure enabling policies and legislation are in place.
 
 
Feedback can be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as can any questions relating to this package. Priority areas for feedback include errors of omission or commission, and issues that would adversely impact consumer choice and the timely provision of prescription and/or dispensed medication information.
 
For more information contact Alison Sweeney, Media Coordinator 02 8298 2669 or 0414 187 350 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it