Application for a permit to treat an opioid-dependent person with methadone or buprenorphine

SUMMARY OF LEGISLATED REQUIREMENTS

(i) Permit required BEFORE treating a drug dependent person

The Act requires a medical or nurse practitioner to hold a permit BEFORE prescribing any Schedule 8 poison to a drug dependent person, except in certain exempt circumstances.

(ii) General exemptions

Medical or nurse practitioners are not required to hold a permit where the patient:

• is an in-patient in a hospital;
• is in an aged care service;
• is a prisoner being treated in prison or for a period not exceeding 7 days after release from prison.

A practitioner working in a multiple practitioner clinic may prescribe without holding a permit if:

• the treatment is provided at the multiple practitioner clinic, and
• another practitioner at that clinic already holds a permit to treat the patient with the same drug, and
• the treatment is in accordance with that permit.

Important note:

These general exemptions also apply to the treatment of drug dependent persons,but the practitioner is still required to make a notification of drug dependence if he or she intends to treat with a drug of dependence.

(iii) Avoid delays in processing

Applications cannot be processed until all the information required by legislation is provided. Please ensure that ALL details are completed and the form is signed and dated.