Electronic prescriptions
A safe and convenient alternative to paper prescriptions
Over 219 million electronic prescriptions have been issued since May 2020, by more than 85,958 prescribers - GPs and nurse practitioners.
- April 2024
What is an electronic prescription?
An electronic prescription is a digital version of a paper prescription. It is a safe and convenient alternative to paper prescriptions. You can choose to receive an electronic prescription from your healthcare provider when you next need a prescription, or you can request for it to be sent to your Active Script List (ASL).
Most pharmacies are set up to dispense medicines using electronic prescriptions.
How to get an electronic prescription
During your consultation
- If you choose to receive an electronic prescription, your doctor will send an SMS or email to your mobile phone. It will contain a link to a ‘token’ which contains your prescription information. Please speak to your healthcare provider for other options if you do not have a mobile device.
- You will receive a separate token for each medicine you are prescribed.
- Check that you have received your token before you finish the consultation.
- Alternatively, if you have signed up for an Active Script List (ASL) you can ask your doctor to send your electronic prescription straight to your list.
Getting your medicine from the pharmacy
- Visit the pharmacy of your choice and present your token. They will scan the token, provide you with the medicine and offer professional advice.
- To save time, you may forward your token directly to the pharmacy to have it ready for collection or delivered to your home (if this service is available).
- If you are unable to go into the pharmacy, you can forward your token to a family member, carer or friend to collect your medicine on your behalf.
Obtaining and storing repeat prescriptions
- If you have repeats on your prescription, your pharmacy will send you a new token by SMS or email to use when you require more medicine.
- You will need to use this new token at your preferred pharmacy when it is time to get your next supply of medicine.
If you accidentally lose or delete the SMS or email with your electronic prescription token, you can ask for it to be resent. For original prescriptions, contact the prescriber. For repeats, contact the pharmacy that issued the repeat.
What are the benefits?
Most medicines can be prescribed using an electronic prescription. The message with a link to your electronic prescription is stored on your digital device, so you can access it whenever you’re ready - saving you time, streamlining the process and improving medicine safety.
- There is no need to carry paper and this reduces the risk of losing scripts.
- Electronic prescriptions provide a more convenient option if you travel frequently.
Apps to manage electronic prescriptions
You can manage your electronic prescriptions through a mobile app. Your local pharmacy may have its own app which can help you more easily manage your electronic prescription tokens. Please speak to your pharmacist for more information or see the list of mobile apps conformant for ePrescribing.
What is an Active Script List (ASL)?
A token management solution for your prescriptions and repeats
An Active Script List is a digital list of your electronic prescriptions and barcoded paper prescriptions. It is a convenient option if you take multiple medications.
Once registered, you no longer need to keep track of each electronic prescription token. Having an Active Script List means you can walk into a participating pharmacy, give consent for staff to access your list, and have that pharmacy dispense your medicines.
However, if your healthcare provider has chosen to provide you with a barcoded paper prescription instead of an electronic prescription. You will still need to bring the paper copy to the pharmacy as it is legally required for pharmacists to supply your medicine.
How to get an Active Script List
Managing multiple electronic prescriptions using the Active Script List
- To set up your list, visit your pharmacy with a mobile phone and 100 points of identification (PDF, 83.08 KB).
- After you have registered, any electronic prescription that you receive will be automatically added to your Active Script List. You can choose for some medicines not to be added by speaking with your doctor.
- You may also receive an SMS or email with a link to a token if you choose.
- When you visit your pharmacy, ask staff to access your Active Script List and dispense your medicine.
What are the benefits?
- You no longer need to keep track of multiple electronic prescription tokens.
- Most community pharmacies across Australia can register you for an Active Script List.
- An Active Script List helps your doctor and pharmacist manage your medicines more easily.
- If your pharmacy offers home delivery, you do not need to leave your home to receive your medicines.
To request the removal of a pharmacy’s access to your Active Script List or to discontinue your Active Script List, email the Active Script List Registry provider via info@medicationknowledge.com.au.
Support and resources
Online learning module
We have developed an online learning module to help you understand more about electronic prescriptions and the Active Script List. You will learn:
- how electronic prescriptions and the Active Script List work
- what are the benefits
- how to access them
- simple tips for managing your medicines with electronic prescriptions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a family member collect a prescription on a patient’s behalf; how will this work?
Yes. A family member or agent may collect a prescription on behalf of another person by presenting the Evidence of Prescription to the pharmacy. An agent or carer (including an institutional carer) can also be recorded against the consumer's Active Script List if they choose to activate one.
I accidentally deleted the SMS with my token. How can I get access to my electronic prescription?
I accidentally deleted the SMS with my token. How can I get access to my electronic prescription?
If you accidentally deleted the SMS or email with your electronic prescription token, you can ask for it to be resent. For original prescriptions, contact the prescriber. For repeats, contact the pharmacy that issued the repeat.
You may be able to manage your electronic prescriptions through a mobile app. Ask your pharmacy if it is connected to any of these apps or can recommend one.
You can also register for an Active Script List. This lets your chosen provider access your active electronic prescriptions, even if you don’t have a token. Find out more about Active Script Lists.
Do all pharmacies accept electronic prescriptions?
Most community pharmacies in Australia are set up to dispense medicines using electronic prescription. Access the latest statistics or contact your local pharmacy directly to find out if they support electronic prescriptions.
How long is an online prescription valid?
Electronic prescriptions are valid for the same duration of time as paper prescriptions. While in most cases this is 12 months, it can be shorter for some medicines. This duration may also be dependent on relevant state or territory legislation.