State and Territory RTPM systems
Some states have mandated that a prescriber MUST check the RTPM system before prescribing and others have not.
While the implementation of RTPM is beneficial, the practicalities and consequences of identifying prescription drug-related abuse must be carefully considered. Patients who are using such medicines should not be unnecessarily made to feel stigmatised and their medical issues and requirements should be acknowledged and managed according to their needs. To support GPs in addressing these issues, the RACGP has developed the following resources:
Prescribing drugs of dependence in general practice
This guidance covers clinical governance, the use of benzodiazepines in primary care, opioid prescribing, and the role of opioids in pain management.
Drugs of dependence: Responding to requests
This fact sheet, outlines behaviours suggesting problematic or unsafe use of monitored medicines, considerations for responding to requests, available prescription monitoring services and resources, and practice wide approaches which may assist in managing requests for drugs of dependence.