Under the new arrangements, prescribers will be able to seek authorisation from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be Authorised Prescribers for a group of patients, or apply to the for Special Access Scheme approval for individual patients. 

A new article, a flow chart summarising the pathways for access and two new podcast episodes, developed in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Health including the Therapeutic Goods Administration, are now available from NPS MedicineWise to help prescribers to prepare themselves and their practice for the scheduling change.

Read and download the new resources at www.nps.org.au/professionals/prescribing-nicotine.

The programs on offer during the second half of the year are detailed below:

• Mental Health First Aid
• Operation Life – safeTALK and ASIST - Suicide prevention workshops
• Doing Anger Differently
• Engaging Adolescents – Parent Course
• Stepping Out – Transition program
• Relaxation and Mindfulness
• 123 Magic and Emotion Coaching - Parent Course
• Managing your Pain
• Understanding Anxiety
• Residential Lifestyle Management - Couples program (Cairns).

To download a PDF of the calendar, click here.

There are many benefits participants may gain from undertaking a group program, including the following:

• gaining the opportunity to learn about and address mental health concerns in a supportive environment, whilst being guided by experienced facilitators
• gaining an understanding that others may share their experiences
• developing an understanding of resources and supports available.

Health care professionals are being asked to share these group programs directly with potential participants. Interested participants can register for group programs, or make enquiries by contacting Open Arms on 1800 011 046. Interested participants are also encouraged to visit the Open Arms website for more detailed information regarding group programs, eligibility, and to register their interest.