Certainly, no surprise; the same successful format initiated at the first Offshore Refresher Course in 1977 has been continued – education each day from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm, then cultural activities, tours and social events.
The Vietnam safari began in Hạ Long Bay, then to Hanoi, Hoi An and on to Ho Chi Min City. There were ‘Hs’ in abundance, although most of the locals still call Ho Chi Min City Saigon.
This year, there were 37 hours of lectures and workshops in six locations – including the post-conference tour to Cambodia. Our four principal speakers were all experienced and popular Offshore Refresher Course presenters: Bruce Annabel (business management), Dr Phillip Artemi (dermatology), Dr Terri Foran (women’s health) and Dr Sepehr Shakib (pharmacology).
And what social events! A highlight this year was the Vietnamese-themed dinner with apparently no time or expense spared by delegates to dress for the occasion. Of course, there was no shortage of tailor shops around town that could run up traditional men’s and women’s outfits in less than 24 hours.
This kind of learning sure can be fun, but there’s plenty of hard work for the delegates as well. Many continue to deliberate long after the education sessions are over for the day – just to ensure they get correct answers to the questions in the ‘Jack Thomas Quiz’. The winner’s name engraved on the perpetual trophy is an incentive; and so is maximising your CPD points for the year.
This year saw one of the closest Jack Thomas Quiz contests in Refresher Course history. Of
the over 150 responses to the 75-question quiz, six delegates finished with a score of 97% – and placegetters were separated only by assessment of the written case study. First prize
went to Johanna Bou-Samra, who works as Indigenous Outcomes Pharmacist with
Queensland Health. Meredith Bell and former Jack Thomas Quiz winner Louise Braddock were joint runners-up.
Skin has been a big thing at the conference this year – well, it is our biggest organ. Dermatology is a major part of our extended practice, so expertise in this area will help us take advantage of new opportunities. However, don’t despair if you missed out on the Offshore Refresher Course this year. Dr Phillip Artemi will also have a cameo role as part of the speaking faculty next year.
Planning to attend the next Offshore Refresher Course? You should, and you should act now.
Next year we celebrate the 50th Offshore Refresher Course in a very special way. The main conference in Japan will be on the luxury cruise ship Crystal Symphony. Bookings are filling fast, and we can’t take more than our cabin allocation will allow.
So, it’s sayonara Saigon; Tokyo here we come.
Find out more about what’s instore for 50th Offshore Refresher Course in Tokyo 
Dan Malone MPS[/caption]
Tanya Maloney MPS[/caption]
Since new cut-off dates were announced for pharmacists to comply with updating credentialing requirements, queries to PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line have surged.
Here’s a round up of your top questions, answered.
1. Why do I need to transition to a new credentialing system?
After the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP) ceased operations in 2022, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) was charged with developing updated accreditation standards for Medication Management Review (MMR) and Aged Care pharmacist services. This process yielded two new credentials – the MMR Credential and the Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) Credential. All pharmacists, whether originally accredited by the AACP or by another provider since its closure, must now transition to these new credentials.
The primary change is the separation of MMR and ACOP into distinct credentials, each mandating dedicated training for pharmacists, said Bill Wallace MPS, PSA Pharmacist – Professional Support Adviser, who supports PSA members through the Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line.
‘Those with prior experience in either area may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to receive credit toward their new credential(s), while others will need to complete additional education to fulfil the updated requirements,’ he said.
2. How do I apply for MMR recognition of prior learning?
Pharmacists who were accredited by AACP, PSA or ACP can submit proof of initial accreditation along with additional evidence as outlined in PSA’s RPL course page, Mr Wallace said.
The performance outcomes not assessed by prior study are those relating to cultural competence (1.1) and individual quality improvement activities (4.2).
Examples of appropriate evidence to submit include:
- 1.1 – completing the free Deadly pharmacists foundation training course
- 4.2 – establishing a personal quality-improvement plan that incorporates reflective practice or participation in a peer-review forum to receive feedback on your MMR work.
3. What credentialing pathway do I need to take to work as an Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist?
To work as an Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist , pharmacists need to have completed the MMR course and complete one of the following before 30 June 2026:
- an ACOP credentialing course through PSA or other provider
- the ACOP RPL process.
‘The ACOP RPL process is more comprehensive than the MMR RPL process, requiring the development of a detailed portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competency against each of the performance outcomes set by the APC,’ Mr Wallace said.
Examples of ACOP performance competencies include:
- Collaborative Practice: producing clear and concise clinical documentation using standardised communication tools and according to the RACF’s systems and preferences
- Safe and Quality Use of Medicines: participating in the implementation and maintenance of clinical-governance systems to improve medicines-related safety and quality
4. What’s the new deadline for transition arrangements for the MMR and ACOP credentials?
From 1 January 2026, all MMR-credentialled pharmacists who wish to continue claiming for Home Medicines Review (HMR) and Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) services, or to participate in the ACOP Measure under transition arrangements must comply with the APC’s MMR standards.
Medication Management Reviews
The transition period for MMRs has been extended to 31 December 2025. The Department of Health and Aged Care has confirmed that there will be no further extensions.
This extension gives MMR-credentialed pharmacists additional time to complete an APC-accredited RPL or approved training program.
The following MRNs will remain valid until 31 December 2025, or until they are replaced by an updated MRN issued upon completion of an APC-accredited RPL or training program, whichever comes first:
- AACP MRNs held as of 31 December 2022 (i.e. those active and not lapsed before that date)
- PSA MRNs
- ACP MRNs
- Advanced Pharmacy Australia (formerly SHPA) MRNs.
ACOP Measure
The ACOP Measure transition period has been extended until 30 June 2026. MMR-credentialed pharmacists may continue to participate in the ACOP Measure through this date, provided they complete an APC-accredited ACOP training program by 30 June 2026.
‘If an MMR-credentialed pharmacist transfers to a different training provider and is issued a new MRN, they must use the new MRN when claiming HMRs/RMMRs or when participating in the ACOP Measure,’ Mr Wallace added.
5. When do I need to get my RPL applications in by?
Pharmacists should be looking at completing the RPL process prior to the extension deadlines, Mr Wallace said.
‘The RPL process requires an assessor to examine the submitted evidence and provide feedback if required,’ he said.
‘This process may take up to 4 weeks if there is no extra information or resubmission required.’
To ensure uninterrupted provision of medication review services, RPL evidence should be submitted at least 2 months prior to the deadline.
6. Does RPL still count if I don’t meet the deadline?
If pharmacists miss the deadline, they will lose eligibility to deliver medicine reviews and be unable to claim services under the Pharmacy Programs Administrator programs. In other words, you won’t get paid for services.
‘Pharmacists can still apply for RPL, but if they do not meet the criteria for the RPL they may need to complete the full training program to regain the MMR credential,’ Mr Wallace said.
7. How long does it take to become credentialed and what’s involved?
For pharmacists who are working and have other commitments, completing both training programs takes roughly 6–12 months, Mr Wallace said.
‘If a pharmacist has more time to invest, it could be completed in 3–6 months,’ he said.
‘Assessors have up to 4 weeks to assess written submissions.’
The MMR Credential course is organised into four structured modules that progressively develop key competencies in medication reviews.
‘Learners are evaluated through multiple-choice quizzes to verify understanding, a reflective exercise on providing culturally safe and inclusive care, and a peer-led discussion analysing an MMR report,’ he said. ‘They also participate in an AI-driven simulated patient encounter to practise medication history taking, and undertake a live online Objective Structured Interview to showcase their practical skills.’
The course also features a quality-improvement assignment, in which participants are required to review relevant policies and reflect on their own practice to drive ongoing enhancement.
Meanwhile, the four-module ACOP credential course builds on the MMR Credential framework and begins with a similar assessment process.
The course includes a supervised site visit to a residential aged-care facility, during which participants observe care delivery and critically reflect on both the environment and service quality, Mr Wallace said.
‘The course further incorporates a case-conference simulation; learners view a recorded interdisciplinary meeting and appraise their prospective roles and contributions,’ he said. ‘Then, a quality-improvement project tasks participants with conducting clinical audits and preparing governance reports to foster ongoing enhancements in aged-care settings.’
For advice on all things pharmacy, ring PSA’s Pharmacist-to-Pharmacist Advice Line between 8.30am to 5.00pm AEST on 1300 369 772.
