As medicinal cannabis becomes increasingly recognised for its therapeutic benefits in Australia, the demand for an efficient practice management system has grown. Authorised prescribers, clinics, and practitioners require robust tools to ensure compliance with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and streamline the prescribing process. A well-designed practice management platform not only supports the medical practitioner but also enhances patient care and access to medicinal cannabis products.
Below, we outline the must-have features every practice management system should offer to help authorised medicinal cannabis providers deliver safe, compliant, and effective care.
1. TGA-Compliant Patient Management
Managing patient information is central to any medical practice, but for those prescribing medicinal cannabis, compliance with TGA and Department of Health regulations is non-negotiable.
A good system should:
- Capture detailed patient medical condition history
- Maintain secure records of prescriptions and approvals
- Support documentation for the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and Authorised Prescriber Scheme
Keeping accurate, up-to-date patient data is critical for legal medicinal cannabis supply and ensuring traceability of medicinal cannabis products in Australia.
2. Seamless Special Access Scheme (SAS) and Authorised Prescriber Integration
Navigating the Special Access Scheme and becoming an authorised prescriber involves detailed reporting to the TGA. Your platform should:
- Auto-populate TGA SAS forms
- Track applications and approvals for the medicinal use of cannabis
- Notify practitioners of renewal deadlines
A streamlined SAS process saves valuable time and ensures that patients can access medicinal cannabis promptly and legally.
3. Secure e-Prescribing Capabilities
Prescribing medicinal cannabis requires precision and security. Look for a system that ensures:
- E-prescriptions are aligned with Australian laws
- Instant submission to pharmacies supplying medicinal cannabis products
- Complete tracking of prescribed products and patient usage
This ensures the safe supply of medicinal cannabis products and supports better monitoring of the effects of medicinal cannabis on patients.
4. Inventory and Product Management for Cannabis Products
Managing the type of medicinal cannabis product prescribed is crucial. Your system should:
- Provide a comprehensive database of available therapeutic goods
- Support tracking of stock levels for different cannabis products
- Notify practitioners when new, TGA-approved products are available
Since medicinal cannabis products are classified differently and not all are included in the ARTG (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods), a real-time inventory helps practitioners prescribe these products responsibly.
5. Compliance Alerts and Clinical Guidance
Given the evolving regulations around the medicinal use of cannabis in Australia, practitioners need real-time clinical guidance and compliance updates. A strong practice management platform should:
- Send alerts regarding state and territory-specific regulations
- Provide updates on changes from the Department of Health and TGA
- Offer evidence-based resources about the effects of medicinal cannabis
This keeps authorised prescribers informed and compliant, reducing legal risks and supporting better clinical outcomes.
6. Automated Reporting to State and Federal Bodies
Reporting on the supply of medicinal cannabis products is mandatory. A quality Practice Management System should:
- Generate reports ready for submission to state health departments
- Track the access to medicinal cannabis per patient
- Maintain compliance with reporting obligations for prescribed medicinal cannabis products
Automated reporting helps maintain transparency and trust between the practitioner, the Department of Health, and patients treated with medicinal cannabis.
7. Telehealth Integration
Many patients accessing medicinal cannabis live in remote areas throughout Australia. Telehealth integration supports:
- Remote consultations with authorised prescribers
- Greater access to medicinal cannabis treatments
- Ongoing monitoring without the need for in-person visits
Given that over 30% of Australians live outside major cities (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare), telehealth is an essential tool for expanding care.
8. Customisable Clinical Workflows
Every clinic has unique needs depending on the type of medicinal cannabis product prescribed. A flexible system should:
- Allow custom templates for clinical notes, referrals, scripts, and more documentation
- Enable personalised workflows for prescription renewals and monitoring
- Adapt to various models of care (special access, ongoing prescribing, compassionate supply)
Flexibility ensures the system can evolve with changes in regulation and clinical best practice.
9. Data Security and Patient Privacy
Handling sensitive data, especially around the medicinal use of cannabis, demands strong security protocols. Ensure the system offers:
- End-to-end encryption
- Two-factor authentication
- Secure storage in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988
Protecting patient information is critical for maintaining trust and complying with Australian privacy regulations.
All-in-One Platform for Seamless, Compliant Practice Management.
In the rapidly evolving field of medicinal cannabis in Australia, authorised prescribers need a robust, compliant, and intuitive Practice Management System. From TGA integration and inventory management to telehealth and secure e-prescriptions, these must-have tools empower practitioners to deliver safe and effective care.
At OnePhenix, we understand the unique challenges faced by authorised medicinal cannabis providers. Our practice management platform is designed to support your clinic’s success and patient outcomes.
Ready to elevate your medicinal cannabis practice? Contact OnePhenix today to discover how we can help you make a difference.