What is the difference between accreditation for medical practitioners and approval to prescribe for medical practitioner registrars?
Whilst both approval types allow you to prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies, there are important differences:
Who can be a Clinical Placement Supervisor or Mentor?
The following health professionals are considered appropriate supervisors for clinical placements:
How do I find my AHPRA number?
Your AHPRA number is required when completing an application for accreditation to prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies or for registrars seeking approval to prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies under supervision at their workplace. You can look up your AHPRA number on the AHPRA website.
What if my details change or I make a mistake when completing an application?
If you have already submitted your application and need to update your details or correct an error, please contact us.
I am a registrar under supervision- can I apply for accreditation?
Yes, registrars working under supervision in a public alcohol and drug treatment clinic are encouraged to complete the Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC), undertake a clinical placement and apply for accreditation. Initially, you will need to apply for approval to prescribe under supervision at their workplace. This authority is limited and does not extend beyond your current role. Gaining accreditation allows you to prescribe in other settings outside of your registrar position and manage a higher patient load. You can find more information on the accreditation process for medical practitioners here.
I am accredited interstate- how do I apply for accreditation in NSW?
If you are an interstate prescriber seeking accreditation to prescribe in NSW, your existing accreditation may be recognised in NSW.For information, visit our Lapsed or Interstate Accredited Prescribers page.
My accreditation with NSW has lapsed- how do I reapply?
If your accreditation in NSW has lapsed (for example, if you have not prescribed opioid pharmacotherapies for at least two years), you can apply to have it reinstated.For information, visit our Lapsed or Interstate Accredited Prescribers page.
How long will it take for my approval or accreditation to be processed?
If you a registrar under supervision applying for approval under supervision: The application process can take up to 3 working days. If you have not received approval to prescribe under supervision you can contact the OTP line on (02) 9424 5921 or can email the OPS Secretariat at: MOH-OTP-Accred@health.nsw.gov.au. If you are a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner seeking accreditation: Once you have submitted your accreditation application and the OTEP team has received your clinical placement review form from your supervisor, your application will be reviewed by the NSW Ministry of Health Opioid Pharmacotherapy Subcommittee (OPS).The OPS meets approximately every six weeks. To ensure your application is considered at the next meeting, submit your application and placement review at least 10 days before the relevant committee date. For more information and OPS meeting and application dates, visit Accreditation to Prescribe Opioid Pharmacotherapies page. If your application is urgent and you believe needs to be considered out of session, contact us.
If you are an accredited medical practitioner or nurse practitioner:
You can prescribe for up to 200 patients in private or 300 patients in public settings. In certain circumstances, you can request an increase in your patient allocation by contacting the Opioid Pharmacotherapy Subcommittee (OPS) Secretariat: moh-otp-accred@health.nsw.gov.au If you are an unaccredited medical practitioner: If you do not meet either of the above criteria, you are considered an unaccredited medical practitioner (note: nurse practitioners cannot prescribe opioid treatment unless accredited). You can still prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies but with limitations: