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Law and/or Regulations relating to prescription of HRT
Does anyone know the legal reason for a GP not being able to prescribe HRT? My GP informs me that I must have a psychiatrist diagnose me as transexual (under ICD-10) and then be prescribed HRT by that psych. My GP could not explain the legal or regulatory reason for this. I’m not sure if this requirement is state based or Commonwealth.
In my briefing to a NSW member of parliament last week I identified access to HRT as a key issue for Transgender people and as a result I’ve been asked to provide a brief on the legal reasons, with a view to getting legislation/regulations amended so that GPs can prescribe HRT.
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5 Replies
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That’s not true in Queensland or in the ACT. I have lived in both jurisdictions and my hormones were prescribed by a GP. The one catch is that I have to get an off-label script as males are not subsidised by the PBS for female hormones.
That’s not much of a worry for me: the pill is cheap and I have a good job. But I can see how that discrimination could inhibit those on a restricted income. My only guess is that GP you saw was trying to cover themselves and maybe apply the usual Standards Of Care. But I don’t believe it is legally necessary to do so. Also, psychs usually do not prescribe HRT. That is usually left to an endocrinologist or GP (in my experience).Best,
Simone.
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I am a trans GP & I can tell you that there is no restriction on a GP prescribing HRT & also that it does not even have to be prescribed privately as Chantelle alluded to.
A Psych would be very uncomfortable prescribing HRT & would refer you back to your GP or an endo.
There is not even a legal requirement for a diagnosis of GID to be made by a Psych before you can commence on HRT. But IMHO it would be wise to see a Psych to help confirm the diagnosis & also to help sort out any other problems – such as depression etc.May I suggest that you talk to some one on the ANZPATH executive to find out the full situation before you brief your political friend. It could be rather embarrassing to them if they do not have the full facts.
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I was referred by my female GP to a psych.
I then went back with a letter to my Gp and she then referred me on to a Endo……JH
That was 2 years ago and all I do now annually is get a fresh referrel from my GP for my Endo, who I see every three months after blood tests.
I then see my GP every 3 months to she if she is happy with my health. -
Can we please stick to the question Chantelle asked – which was very specifically about the Law and/or Regulation pertaining to HRT. I don’t want this thread hi-jacked by everyone on HRT sharing their personal prescription route – as that doesn’t tell Chantelle what she wants to know.
Follow the excellent example set by Lisa please. -
Lisa’s response is excellent.
Legally prescription medicines are regulated federally (by the TGA) and thus prescribing requirements should be uniform across all states.
Lisa I believe that GP licensing and regulation is also federally based? Consequently regulations should be universal Australia wide.
I would suggest however that, with respect to Lisa and other GP’s who may have specific training or study in this area, that HRT prescription for the purpose of MTF or FTM transitioning is best handled by a specialist i.e. an endocrinologist, certainly at least until a steady dosing regime has been achieved.
