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Welcome to the VPA

The Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA) regulates the ownership and operation of pharmacy businesses, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots in Victoria.

Welcome to the VPA

The Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA) regulates the ownership and operation of pharmacy businesses, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots in Victoria.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE VICTORIAN PHARMACY AUTHORITY

19 December 2024

The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Minister for Health is pleased to invite applications for appointments to the following three positions on the Victorian Pharmacy Authority (Authority):

2 x Pharmacist member (for a registered pharmacist only)
1 x Lawyer member

These positions provide an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced individuals to contribute to the governance of the Authority and protection of the Victorian public.

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December 19, 2024
VPA Circular No. 36

Welcome to the VPA’s December circular.

A highlight of this year has been the improved inspection program with an enhanced focus on the VPA Standards and other high-risk areas. The updated premises self-audit form provides a tool for licensees to monitor their own compliance, better prepare for inspections and facilitate more efficient inspections. There are also clear business benefits arising from improved compliance.

 

Proprietors are reminded to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations, ensuring compliance with legislation and the VPA Standards in registered premises, consistent with the Pharmacy Board of Australia's Guidelines for proprietor pharmacists. Licensees are expected to show proactive leadership, management and good governance in their pharmacies and to ensure systems are in place to ensure ongoing compliance in their absence.

In this circular, we include information on the VPA’s public register and a reminder about the requirement to notify the VPA whenever there is a change to any pharmacy business commercial arrangements.

We include an update on recent Panel hearing outcomes and a case study highlighting how a comprehensive response to an inspection may circumvent further action by the Authority.

On behalf of the VPA members and staff, I wish you a happy and safe festive season and best wishes for the new year.

David McConville
Chair, Victorian Pharmacy Authority

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September 6, 2024
VPA Circular No. 35

It has been a period of significant change at the VPA. We celebrated Senior Pharmacist David Thirlwall’s retirement earlier this year and recognised his many contributions to the work of the VPA. Experienced VPA inspector Jessica Webster stepped into the Senior Pharmacist role from April this year. We thank Marie Ritchie for her contributions as an Authority member. Marie recently completed her second 3-year term as a community member of the VPA. We welcome Jane Hill, an accomplished leader in health and community services, who was appointed as a community member from 1 July 2024. It was pleasing to see and meet many licensees, pharmacists and stakeholders at our recent hybrid information evening on the VPA inspection program and risk-based approach for pharmacies. The session highlighted licensees’ compliance obligations under the regulatory framework and high-risk areas which typically form the focus of inspections. Our recently published Statement of Regulatory Approach includes information on the risk-based approach and is intended to support licensees to develop a strong and effective compliance culture. An increased focus on risk management requires licensees to identify and appropriately manage risks in their pharmacies and pharmacy departments. The updated VPA self-audit form is a valuable tool designed to assist licensees and pharmacists with this task by auditing their compliance with key requirements of the Act, VPA Standards, VPA guidelines and good pharmacy practice. The revised VPA Guidelines also include new guidance to support compliance with the standards relating to risk management. 

David McConville Chair

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July 3, 2024
Quarterly Performance Report Jan - Mar 2024

The Victorian Pharmacy Authority (VPA) is established under section 81 of the Pharmacy Regulation Act 2010 (Act) to regulate the ownership and operation of pharmacy businesses, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots through the functions specified in section 82 of the Act.

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July 3, 2024
Statement of Regulatory Approach (Inspections)

The Statement of Regulatory Approach provides an overview of the regulatory approach taken by the VPA when carrying out its regulatory activities, including inspections of registered premises. It is also intended to support regulated entities to develop a strong and effective compliance culture.

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March 27, 2024
Quarterly Performance Report Oct - Dec 2023

The VPA’s performance measurement framework includes information on its activities and intended outcomes. This includes targets under the Ministerial Statement of Expectations, service standards and statistics on VPA activities. A performance report is included on a quarterly basis.

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December 21, 2023
VPA Circular No. 34

Welcome to the VPA’s December circular.

In this circular, we include information on the VPA’s approach to pharmacy franchising in the context of recent industry developments. On behalf of the members of the VPA, I reiterate our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Victorian pharmacies are owned, operated and controlled only by registered pharmacists.

Other focus areas relate to compounding, including sterile compounding, and medicinal cannabis. We highlight important considerations for pharmacists considering compounding medicinal cannabis, and information on sterile compounding following the recent TGA alert about compounded semaglutide-like products. There is also important information about holding stock of medicinal cannabis.

A highlight of this year has been the introduction of a new, improved inspection program, which focuses on compliance with the VPA Standards. We look forward to providing further information about our new approach to inspections in the new year.

At this time of the year, we remind proprietors to renew your AHPRA registration by 31 December if you haven‘t already done so, given the significant implications of a lapsed registration on a licensee’s eligibility to continue to hold a pharmacy business licence.

On behalf of the VPA members and staff, I wish you a happy and safe festive season and best wishes for the new year.

 

David McConville
Chair

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