Aged care meds in focus

THE Federal Government’s newly convened Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will consider medication management as part of its now-confirmed Terms of Reference.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the parameters of the probe yesterday, with the Royal Commission to be based in Adelaide under the leadership of Justice Joseph McGrath, former Western Australian Supreme Court Judge, and Lynelle Briggs who previously was CEO of Medicare.

The Commissioners have been directed to inquire into “all aspects of the quality and safety of aged care services, including but not limited to dignity, choice & control, clinical care, medication management, mental health, personal care, nutrition, positive behaviour supports, end of life care, and systems to ensure that high quality care is delivered.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has welcomed the inclusion of medication management in the scope, with National President Shane Jackson saying “medicines are complex, and medication errors cost Australia more than $1.2 billion annually.

“PSA believes clearly defining the roles and utilising the expertise of pharmacists in aged care facilities would ensure appropriate prescribing, a reduction in medication errors, and clinical, operational and economic benefits through the safe and optimal use of medicines,” he said.

An interim report is due by the end of Oct 2019, with the final conclusions to be presented by the end of Apr 2020.