The 4th Community Pharmacy Agreement, also known as CPA4, is a recent agreement between the Australian government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. This new agreement will have a significant impact on the Australian pharmacy landscape, including changes to how pharmacies are funded and changes to the services they provide.

One of the major changes in CPA4 is the establishment of an electronic prescription service, which will allow patients to access their prescriptions electronically and have them filled at any pharmacy in Australia. This is a major step forward in streamlining the prescription process and making it easier for patients to manage their medicines.

CPA4 also includes a significant increase in funding for community pharmacies, with $1.2 billion being allocated over five years. This funding will be used to support a range of new services and initiatives, including expanded medication management programs, enhanced support for aged care facilities, and improved access to rural and remote communities.

Another key aspect of CPA4 is the introduction of a new Quality Payment Program. This program is designed to provide incentives for pharmacies to improve the quality of their services, including better medication management, more comprehensive advice on medicines, and better communication with other healthcare providers.

Finally, CPA4 includes a range of other initiatives designed to support the ongoing viability of community pharmacies, including increased support for training and development, improved regulation and oversight, and increased recognition of the important role that community pharmacies play in the delivery of healthcare.

Overall, CPA4 represents a major step forward for the Australian pharmacy sector, providing new funding, new services and initiatives, and new incentives for pharmacies to improve the quality of their services. This agreement will help to ensure that community pharmacies remain an essential part of the healthcare landscape in Australia, providing high-quality services and support to patients across the country.