Prescribing approvals

Prescribing approvals authorise a prescriber to prescribe restricted medicines in circumstances stated in the approval.

Restricted medicines are listed in Part 1 of Schedule of the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021 (MPMR). They include:

  • approved opioids for the Queensland Opioid Treatment Program (QOTP)
  • amfetamines and methylphenidate (psychostimulants)
  • other restricted medicines also listed in Appendix D of the Poisons Standard.

Some classes of medical prescribers, specialist oral medicine dentists or nurse practitioners, do not require a prescribing approval if they are authorised to prescribe that particular restricted medicine as specified in the relevant schedules (4, 6 or 7) of the MPMR. For example, a prescribing approval is not required for continuing treatment with restricted medicines in hospitals or prisons.

Apply for a prescribing approval

Queensland Opioid Treatment Program (QOTP) prescribing approvals

To apply to be a prescriber under the QOTP, you will need to:

Amfetamine and methylphenidate (psychostimulant) prescribing approvals

Other restricted medicines prescribing approvals

These application forms include application guidelines for other restricted medicines (e.g. clozapine, isotretinoin, thalidomide) prescribing approvals.

Applications for all non-QOTP prescribing approvals can be submitted to medicines.applications@health.qld.gov.au.

Last updated: 29 August 2022