It receives monitored medicine prescription data automatically in real time via a cloud-based system. Prescribers and pharmacists can access this information to inform their clinical decision making.

When integrated with clinical software, QScript can deliver important alerts and notifications using a traffic light system.

• A red notification means a potentially high-risk circumstance. 
• An amber notification means patient data is available.
• A green notification means no patient data currently exists.

The traffic light system prompts health practitioners to carefully review the patient’s history, but does not prevent prescribing or dispensing.

It is accessible via existing clinical software (if integrated) as well as via a secure web-based portal.

QScript is now available

QScript is now available, and all relevant health practitioners are required to register to access the system. From 28 October 2021, relevant health practitioners are required to check QScript for patient records before:

• prescribing a monitored medicine
• dispensing a monitored medicine
• giving a treatment dose of a monitored medicine.

This applies to relevant health practitioners (such as medical practitioners, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives, dentists, podiatric surgeons, and endorsed podiatrists) who are authorised to prescribe or dispense a monitored medicine, including those in private and public hospitals, aged care facilities, prisons, and other health services.

A maximum of 20 penalty units ($2,757 as at 1 July 2021) will apply if a relevant practitioner fails to check QScript when required, unless they have a reasonable excuse.

Health Practitioners can register for QScript at register.qscript.health.qld.gov.au. To complete the registration process, you will require your AHPRA number, date of birth, and a unique email address only accessible to you. The registration process will take about 10 minutes to complete.

How to use the QScript system

A suite of elearning modules containing the latest clinical information and advice on monitored medicine and modules detailing legislative requirements can be accessed at www.qscriptlearn.health.qld.gov.au

For more information about QScript, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/medicines/real-time-reporting/about-qscript

Medicines captured by QScript

Medicines captured by QScript include all schedule 8 medicines (e.g. opioids, alprazolam, nabiximols, dexamphetamine).

QScript also includes the following schedule 4 medicines:

• all benzodiazepines
• codeine
• gabapentin
• pregabalin
• quetiapine
• tramadol
• zolpidem
• zopiclone.