Patient Information - Repeat Prescription Policy

The Grove Chinese Medicine Acupuncture

Repeat Prescription Policy – Information for Patients

Why do I need a consultation to get a repeat of my Chinese herbal prescription?

Your health and safety are our highest priorities. Chinese herbal medicine is a potent therapy that must be prescribed based on your current state of health. Over time, your body, other medications, and health conditions can change – a formula that was safe and effective for you months or years ago may no longer be appropriate.

As registered Chinese medicine practitioners, we are bound by law and professional standards (AHPRA, Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, and Victorian poisons legislation) to conduct a clinical assessment before supplying any herbal medicine. This is the same standard expected of all healthcare professionals, including GPs and specialists.

What does this mean for you?

Can I just get the same prescription as last time without seeing a practitioner?

No. Under Victorian law and our professional codes of practice, we cannot dispense any herbal medicine without a current clinical assessment. This protects you from potential harm (e.g., herb‑drug interactions, changes in your health that make the formula unsafe, or use of restricted herbs without proper oversight).

What if I have moved interstate or cannot come to the clinic?

We offer telehealth consultations (by phone or video) where clinically appropriate. For most inactive patients, a telehealth consultation is acceptable. For lapsed patients (more than 2 years since your last visit), we may ask you to attend in person, especially if your formula contains herbs that are restricted under Victorian law.

What if I am already taking the herbs and just need a repeat urgently?

Please call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate a prompt consultation, either in person or via telehealth. If you are running out of medicine, let reception know – we will try to schedule you within 24‑48 hours. We will not dispense without a consultation, even in an emergency.

What if I refuse a consultation and demand the prescription anyway?

We will politely explain our legal and professional obligations. If you still refuse, we cannot supply the medicine. We will document your refusal and, if you become abusive, we may terminate the conversation. You are always entitled to seek a second opinion from another registered practitioner or to lodge a complaint with AHPRA or the Health Complaints Commissioner if you are dissatisfied.

What about the previous owner – they approved a repeat without a consultation?

The previous owner was not a registered health practitioner. Their practice does not meet current legal or professional standards and is not followed at The Grove. We operate under the law and AHPRA/CMBA guidelines to ensure your safety and the integrity of the profession.

How do I request a repeat prescription?

1. Contact reception by phone or email.
2. Reception will check your last consultation date and advise whether you need a consultation.
3. If a consultation is required, we will book you in (telehealth or in‑person).
4. After the consultation, if the practitioner approves a repeat, they will issue a prescription with an expiry date and number of repeats.
5. You may then collect or have the herbs delivered.

What information will be on my prescription?

By law, each prescription must include your name, the practitioner’s name and registration number, the date, an expiry date, the number of repeats, and the signature of the prescriber. No prescription is valid without an expiry date.

Who can I talk to if I have concerns?

Please speak to your practitioner or the Clinic Manager. If you remain unsatisfied, you may contact:

●       AHPRA – to make a notification about a registered health practitioner

●       Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) – to make a complaint about a health service

We are committed to providing safe, ethical, and compassionate care. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.