New NSW authority application forms for OTP now available and upcoming system changes

The NSW Ministry of Health is continuing work to improve the efficiency of regulating the supply of Schedule 8 medicines in NSW.

Several initiatives that aim to streamline the process in order to apply for an authority to prescribe and/or supply a Schedule 8 medicine under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW) will be introduced in 2023.

New NSW OTP authority application forms now available
The majority of application forms were reviewed and updated at the end of 2022. The final stage of the review of application forms is now complete with four new forms related to the management of patients under the NSW Opioid Treatment Program available for use.

The new OTP authority application forms:

• will assist with management of patients under the NSW Opioid Treatment Program and support new protocols for treatment
• are PDF editable and are accessible on the NSW Health website
• replace the old OTP authority application forms that were on the NSW Health website and in the OTP Clinical Guidelines
• align with the online process for applying for authorities which will be available to health practitioners later this year as part of new features being released within SafeScript NSW.

We encourage all prescribers of OTP to:

• access the new OTP forms via the NSW Health website to ensure you are using the latest version of the forms
• delete any old forms that have been downloaded and saved locally as templates
• dispose of any blank hardcopies of the old forms.

Prescribers with existing authority to prescribe OTP will not be expected to reapply for existing patients with the new OTP forms. The new OTP forms should be used for new applications submitted on or after 6 April 2023. There will be a short transition period after which the old forms will no longer be accepted.

Updated CAOD guidelines are also available to guide practitioners on using microdosing or bridging transfer techniques.

If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback on the new OTP application forms, please email MOH-PharmaceuticalServices@health.nsw.gov.au

Upcoming system changes
On 1 May 2023, the system used by NSW Health to process authority applications will change. During this time, there may be delays in responding to enquiries and delays in the processing of authority applications.

From 12pm on Friday 28 April, the system to process applications will be unavailable.

Applications received after 12pm may not be processed until Monday 1 May 2023.

Where applications for authority are anticipated, in the week of 24 – 28 April 2023, consider submitting applications prior to 12pm on Friday 28 April where possible to avoid delays in processing of applications.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to process applications within the new system. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please email MOH-PharmaceuticalServices@health.nsw.gov.au