Queensland Chronic Conditions Management Pilot

Queensland has been at the forefront of expanding what community pharmacists are allowed to do, and the chronic conditions stream of its scope of practice program is one of the most significant changes to pharmacy care in a generation. For people living with an ongoing condition, it can mean getting trusted, local support — and in some cases, continued treatment — without a separate trip to the GP for every routine step. This page explains what the pilot covers, who it’s for, and how it fits with the rest of your care.

What is the Queensland scope of practice pilot?

Queensland’s community pharmacy scope of practice work began with a pharmacist-led urinary tract infection service and a North Queensland pilot, then broadened into a larger program in which suitably trained pharmacists can assess and manage a defined list of acute conditions and, importantly, support the management of certain chronic (ongoing) conditions. Over time, this pilot work has been moving towards a permanent “full scope of practice” model.

The chronic conditions component recognises that people with stable, long-term conditions often need regular, predictable care — reviews, monitoring, and continued medicines — that doesn’t always require a doctor’s appointment each time. By training pharmacists to take on more of this routine management within clear clinical protocols, the aim is to make care more convenient and accessible, ease pressure on GPs and hospitals, and keep people well managed closer to home — particularly valuable across Queensland’s large regional and remote areas.

Because this is a Queensland program, it operates under Queensland legislation and health department arrangements. The conditions included, the training required, and the exact rules are set by the state and have expanded in stages, so the specifics are best confirmed locally.

Which conditions and who is it for?

The program has covered a range of conditions across both acute care (such as skin infections, ear infections, reflux and others described elsewhere in this directory) and chronic disease management. Chronic conditions targeted by scope-of-practice expansion typically include common, well-understood conditions such as cardiovascular risk factors, type 2 diabetes, respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, and similar long-term illnesses where structured monitoring and medication support add value.

It’s generally aimed at people whose condition is stable and already diagnosed, who are suitable for protocol-based management, and who want more accessible support between or alongside GP visits. It is not intended to replace your doctor or specialist, and it’s not for unstable, complex or newly emerging problems, which still need medical assessment.

The pharmacist will check your eligibility, review your history and current medicines, and decide whether your situation fits the program or needs a referral.

How it works at the pharmacy

In a private consulting area, a trained pharmacist assesses your condition against the relevant clinical protocol. Depending on the condition and the rules, this can involve checking how well your condition is controlled, taking measurements (such as blood pressure or point-of-care tests), reviewing how you’re managing your medicines, providing education and self-management support, and — where permitted — continuing or adjusting treatment within defined limits. They keep records and, importantly, communicate with your GP so that your care stays joined up rather than fragmented.

The emphasis is on collaboration. A well-run pharmacy service shares information with your usual doctor, refers you back when something falls outside the protocol or your condition changes, and complements rather than replaces the comprehensive care a GP provides.

There may be a fee for some consultations. Because availability depends on a participating pharmacy with a suitably trained pharmacist, phone ahead to confirm what’s offered and whether you’re eligible.

Safety and the role of your GP

This kind of program works best as part of a team. Keep seeing your GP for comprehensive reviews, new or changing symptoms, and the bigger-picture management of your health. Tell the pharmacist about all your conditions and medicines so they can act safely and refer appropriately. If your condition becomes unstable or you develop new symptoms, you need medical assessment — the pharmacist will direct you there. As with any expanding service, the rules are designed with safeguards, training requirements and referral pathways built in.

How it’s regulated in Australia

The pilot is a Queensland initiative, established under Queensland health legislation and overseen by Queensland Health, with pharmacists completing additional training, working to approved clinical protocols, and being registered nationally with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. It sits within a broader national shift towards expanded pharmacist scope of practice, with other states and territories pursuing their own programs — so equivalent services elsewhere operate under different local rules. Details continue to evolve as pilots become permanent.

Official sources

Phone ahead to confirm eligibility and what the pharmacy offers. Use the button below to find a participating pharmacy near you.