About approval management

The SafeScript NSW approval management functionality simplifies the way prescribers apply for and manage approvals for certain high-risk medicines.

Using the approval management functionality in SafeScript NSW, prescribers can:

apply for certain approvals online
receive approvals in real time, in many cases
easily view and monitor applications
view all active approvals from the last two years
see approval history including current approvals for their patients.

For more information on which high-risk medicines require an approval, visit the Pharmaceutical services homepage.

Note: Terminology has been updated from authorities to approvals to distinguish it from Commonwealth PBS authorities. In SafeScript NSW, an approval is a reference to an authority issued under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act. For further information please see the FAQs.

Applying for approvals

Applying for approvals is now much easier. Using the SafeScript NSW portal, prescribers can access the approval application functionality via the patient profile page.

The functionality guides the prescriber through an easy, step-by-step application process in the SafeScript NSW portal. When using the approval management functionality, prescribers will be notified if:

an approval is required
the application is automatically approved
the application needs to be reviewed by NSW Health.

Prescribers can submit online applications for approval to prescribe:

Medicines under the NSW Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
Schedule 8 psychostimulants (dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate)
Schedule 8 pain management medicines
Schedule 8 benzodiazepines
esketamine and ketamine (for treatment-resistant depression).

For more information on how to apply for approvals, visit the Apply for approvals page.

Managing your approvals

SafeScript NSW provides real-time information about a patient's prescribing, dispensing and approval history for high-risk medicines for the previous 2 years.

Previously, applying for and tracking approvals was a time-consuming manual process, sometimes requiring prescribers to follow up by contacting the NSW Ministry of Health's Pharmaceutical Services Unit (PSU).

With the approval management functionality in SafeScript NSW, approvals meeting specific criteria may be granted immediately. Prescribers see the status of any pending applications and view application outcomes online.

For more information on how to review approvals and approval letters, visit the Manage approvals page.

Who has access to this functionality?

With SafeScript NSW, prescribers will be able to:
- apply online to prescribe or supply certain Schedule 8 medicines
- in some cases, be issued approvals immediately
- view patient approval history for the last 2 years
- monitor their application progress for all approval types
- have visibility of their active approvals, including those where a prescriber serves as a locum
- see all approvals within linked organisations
- exit, cancel, withdraw, and reapply for approvals
- manage patient dosing points under the opioid treatment program
- update organisation or clinic information.
SafeScript NSW provides pharmacists with a summary of patient’s OTP approval history and information (including the approval number, start and end dates, and prescriber, patient, drug, and maximum dose information), helping pharmacists to continue supporting patients in obtaining the medicines they need, safely.
NSW Health employees who are involved in the OTP process (such as registered nurses and administration support employees) can be invited by prescribers to access relevant elements of SafeScript NSW, allowing them to support OTP patients. These users will have access to:
- view OTP approval information including the approval number, start and end dates, and prescriber, patient, drug, as well as maximum and starting dose information
- action OTP exits for approvals held by their clinic or organisation
- manage patient dosing points
- view patient OTP approval history for the last 2 years.