In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, hosted by Sarah Stoddart, the focus is on the critical aspects of expanding and contracting pharmacy premises, with a particular emphasis on the increasing trend of expansions in the pharmacy industry. With the movement towards a full scope of practice, many pharmacies are looking to increase their space to incorporate facilities such as consultation rooms, enhancing the services they can provide to the community.
A key point discussed in the episode is the necessity of lodging an application to the Department of Health and Aged Care under Rule 121 of the Pharmacy Location Rules whenever a pharmacy is expanding or contracting its premises. The podcast outlines several requirements under these rules. Additionally, the episode emphasises the importance of notifying state regulators about the expansion, as their requirements can differ significantly from one state to another.
Sarah urges pharmacy owners contemplating an expansion to seek legal advice and to ensure they submit the necessary application under Rule 121. The excitement of expanding should be balanced with compliance, as overlooking regulatory requirements can lead to significant setbacks down the line. The episode serves as a reminder to approach pharmacy expansions thoughtfully, prioritising legal advice alongside design and logistics.
Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.
In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.
Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business. She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.
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