Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:18 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Assist with dispensing of prescriptions and medication orders

Assist with dispensing of prescriptions and medication orders

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPHA003
State Code
AUZ93
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
060501 - Pharmacy
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to accept and check the validity of prescriptions and medication orders, and assist the pharmacist by preparing labels, assembling products and completing documentation.This unit applies to pharmacy assistants and technicians working under the supervision of a pharmacist. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Accept order for dispensing
  • 1.1 Receive prescription or medication order and complete and confirm client details
  • 1.2 Identify the prescriber and initiating source for the purpose of costing and data entry
  • 1.3 Read documentation to confirm the legality, validity and completeness of the prescription or medication order
  • 1.4 Identify if client is eligible to access the medicine through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
  • 1.5 Identify and report discrepancies to pharmacist
  • 1.6 Provide information to client about dispensing expectations in terms of time and cost as required
2. Ensure clinical evaluation by pharmacist
  • 2.1 Refer prescription or medication order to pharmacist for clinical evaluation
  • 2.2 Confirm pharmacist has completed a clinical evaluation before filling the order
  • 2.3 Complete required documentation prior to dispensing
3. Prepare for labelling of medicines
  • 3.1 Enter dispensing data into the pharmacy system and check accuracy against documentation
  • 3.2 Generate label, and cautionary and advisory labelsto meet legal and regulatory requirements
  • 3.3 Follow procedures to deal with contraventions of law
  • 3.4 Check information on labels for accuracy and clarity against dispensing requirements
  • 3.5 Alert the pharmacist to any relevant warnings from the pharmacy system
4. Assemble items
  • 4.1 Interpret prescription or medication order requirements and refer to pharmacist where details or quantities are unclear
  • 4.2 Select prescribed products in the correct quantities of each item, according to prescription or medication order, ensuring expiry date is appropriate
  • 4.3 Use barcode scanning technology during the dispensing process according to Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for dispensing medicines
  • 4.4 Package and label correct quantities into a suitable container with correct and clear labelling
  • 4.5 Check packed item for accuracy and visibility of expiry date
  • 4.6 Mark order with the quantity supplied, signature and date
  • 4.7 Self check work to ensure accuracy of assembled items
  • 4.8 Assemble items for an easy and complete check by the pharmacist
5. Finalise dispensing of medicine
  • 5.1 Verify that prescription or medication order is checked and signed by the pharmacist
  • 5.2 Complete accurate final documentation
  • 5.3 Record relevant information and statistics according to workplace requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD258 HLTPH316A Assist with dispensing of prescriptions and medication orders Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEI18 HLTPHA012 Dispense prescriptions and medication orders Unit of competency