{"id":"tas:sr-2009-087","name":"Poisons (Prescribed Periods) Order 2009","slug":"poisons-prescribed-periods-order-2009","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"87 of 2009","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":315451,"registerId":"tas-tas:sr-2009-087-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-08","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> This order may be cited as the [Poisons (Prescribed Periods) Order 2009](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2009-087) .","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> This order takes effect on the day on which the [Poisons Amendment Act 2009](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2009-029) commences.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> > (1)  The [Acts Interpretation Act 1931](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1931-059) applies to the interpretation of this order as if this order were by-laws.\n> \n> > (2)  A reference in these regulations to a substance by name followed, in parentheses, by a capital letter \"S\" and a number is a reference to that substance when included in the correspondingly numbered Schedule to the Poisons List.\n> \n> > (3)  Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a substance specified in this order includes –\n> > \n> > > > (a) that substance prepared from natural sources or artificially; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) where the substance is a plant (other than a plant included in [Schedule 8](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2001-102#JS8@EN) or [9](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2001-102#JS9@EN) to the Poisons List or a prohibited plant), that plant, or any part of it, when packed or prepared for therapeutic use; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) any salt, active principal or derivative of the substance, including esters and ethers and any salt of the active principal or derivative; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) any alkaloid of the substance and any salt of the alkaloid; and\n> > > \n> > > > (e) any stereo-isomer of the substance and any salt of the stereo-isomer; and\n> > > \n> > > > (f) any recombinant form of the substance; and\n> > > \n> > > > (g) a preparation or admixture containing any proportion of the substance –\n> > > \n> > > but does not include –\n> > > \n> > > > (h) a preparation or product included in Appendix A to the Uniform Standard; or\n> > > \n> > > > (i) a substance included in Appendix G to the Uniform Standard at a concentration not exceeding the concentration specified in column 2 of that Appendix in respect of that substance; or\n> > > \n> > > > (j) any other substance included in [Schedules 1](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2001-102#JS1@EN) to [6](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2001-102#JS6@EN) , inclusive, to the Poisons List at a concentration not exceeding 10mg per litre or 10mg per kilogram, unless that substance is also included in [Schedule 7](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2001-102#JS7@EN) or [8](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2001-102#JS8@EN) to that List.\n> \n> > (4)  Unless the contrary intention appears, where a concentration, strength or quantity is specified in the Poisons List in respect of a substance –\n> > \n> > > > (a) if the substance is present as a salt, active principal or derivative (including an ester or ether), the concentration, strength or quantity is calculated as the equivalent amount of the substance that is listed in the Poisons List; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the expression \"1%\" means –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) in the case of a liquid preparation, one gram of the substance per 100 millilitres of the preparation; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) in the case of a solid or semi-solid preparation, one gram of the substance per 100 grams of the preparation –\n> > > > \n> > > > and any expression of a greater or lesser percentage has a corresponding meaning; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) in the case of codeine, such concentration, strength or quantity is calculated as anhydrous codeine.\n> \n> > (5)  In this clause –\n> > \n> > > ***Uniform Standard*** means the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons, of the Commonwealth, published by the Australian Government under the *Therapeutic Goods Act 1989* of the Commonwealth, as amended from time to time.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed periods","content":"### 4 Prescribed periods\n\n> The maximum period for which a substance listed in column 1 of the table set out in this clause may be made available for continuous use by a person, without an authority given under [section 59E](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1971-081#GS59E@EN) of the [Poisons Act 1971](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1971-081) , is the corresponding period set out in column 2 of that table.[*\\[Clause 4 Amended by S.R. 2014, No. 39, Applied:19 Feb 2014\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2014-02-19/sr-2014-039#GS4@Hpa@EN) [*\\[Clause 4 Amended by S.R. 2014, No. 39, Applied:19 Feb 2014\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2014-02-19/sr-2014-039#GS4@Hpb@EN)\n> \n> |  | Substance | Prescribed period (Days) |\n> |  | Narcotic substances |  |\n> | 1. | Opioid substances listed in Schedule 1 to this order. | 60 |\n> | 2. | Alfentanyl. | 0 |\n> | 3. | Amphetamine. | 0 |\n> | 4. | Carfentanyl. | 0 |\n> | 5. | Dexamphetamine. | 0 |\n> | 6. | Dextromoramide. | 0 |\n> | 7. | Fentanyl in patches for transdermal delivery, except in the case of a patient with cancer. | 0 |\n> | 8. | Fentanyl in patches for transdermal delivery in the case of a patient with cancer. | 60 |\n> | 9. | Fentanyl lozenges, except in the case of a patient with cancer. | 0 |\n> | 10. | Fentanyl lozenges in the case of a patient with cancer. | 60 |\n> | 11. | Hydromorphone. | 0 |\n> | 12. | Ketamine. | 0 |\n> | 12A. | Lisdexamfetamine | 0 |\n> | 13. | Methylamphetamine. | 0 |\n> | 14. | Methylphenidate. | 0 |\n> | 14A. | Nabiximols | 0 |\n> | 15. | Phenmetrazine. | 0 |\n> |  | Specified substances |  |\n> | 16. | Alprazolam when prescribed with an opioid substance specified in Schedule 1 to this order. | 30 |","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 1 - Opioid substances","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 1 - Opioid substances","content":"# SCHEDULE 1 - Opioid substances SCHEDULE 1 - Opioid substances\n\n[Clause 4](#GS4@EN)\n\n> **1.**   Acetyldihydrocodeine.\n\n> **2.**   Acetylmethadol.\n\n> **3.**   Acetylmorphines.\n\n> **4.**   Alfentanil.\n\n> **5.**   Alphacetylmethadol.\n\n> **6.**   Alphaprodine.\n\n> **7.**   Anileridine.\n\n> **8.**   Benzylmorphine.\n\n> **9.**   Bezitramide.\n\n> **10.**   Buprenorphine.\n\n> **11.**   Butorphanol.\n\n> **12.**   Carfentanyl.\n\n> **13.**   Codeine except when included in Schedule 2, 3 or 4 to the Poisons List.\n\n> **14.**   Codeine-*N*\\-oxide.\n\n> **15.**   Dextromoramide.\n\n> **16.**   Difenoxin except when included in Schedule 4 to the Poisons List.\n\n> **17.**   Dihydrocodeine except when included in Schedule 2, 3 or 4 to the Poisons List.\n\n> **18.**   Dihydromorphine.\n\n> **19.**   Diphenoxylate except when included in Schedule 3 or 4 to the Poisons List.\n\n> **20.**   Dipipanone.\n\n> **21.**   Drotebanol.\n\n> **22.**   Ethylmorphine except when included in Schedule 2 or 4 to the Poisons List.\n\n> **23.**   Hydrocodone.\n\n> **24.**   Hydromorphinol.\n\n> **25.**   Hydromorphone.\n\n> **26.**   Levomoramide.\n\n> **27.**   Levorphanol (excluding its stereo-isomers).\n\n> **28.**   Methadone.\n\n> **29.**   Methyldihydromorphine.\n\n> **30.**   Morphine.\n\n> **31.**   Morphine methobromide.\n\n> **32.**   Morphine-*N*\\-oxide.\n\n> **33.**   Norcodeine.\n\n> **34.**   Normethadone.\n\n> **35.**   Opium except the alkaloids –\n> \n> > > (a) noscapine when included in Schedule 2 to the Poisons List; and\n> > \n> > > (b) papaverine when included in Schedule 2 or 4 to the Poisons List.\n\n> **36.**   Oxycodone.\n\n> **37.**   Oxymorphone.\n\n> **38.**   Pentazocine.\n\n> **39.**   Pethidine.\n\n> **40.**   Phenoperidine.\n\n> **41.**   Pholcodine except when included in Schedule 2 or 4 to the Poisons List.\n\n> **42.**   Piritramide.\n\n> **43.**   Propiram.\n\n> **44.**   Racemoramide.\n\n> **45.**   Remifentanil.\n\n> **46.**   Secbutobarbitone.\n\n> **47.**   Sufentanil.\n\n> **48.**   Thebacon.\n\n> **49.**   Thebaine.\n\n> **50.**   Tilidine.\n\nDisplayed and numbered in accordance with the *[Rules Publication Act 1953](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1953-050)*.\n\nNotified in the *Gazette* on 5 August 2009\n\nThis order is administered in the Department of Health and Human Services.","sortOrder":4}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Clause 4 carries an amendment note (S.R.2014 No.39, applied 19 Feb 2014), indicating the prescribed-period table has been altered since the original 2009 order. The current text includes later entries (for example, items numbered 12A, 14A and 16) and revised periods/conditions, so the operative list and maximum periods differ from the original instrument."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-references to other legislation and instruments (Poisons Act 1971 s59E; Acts Interpretation Act 1931; Uniform Standard; Poisons List Schedules and Appendices)","Large, enumerated Schedule of named opioid substances (50 items) requiring precise identification","Detailed inclusion/exclusion rules for preparations, salts, stereoisomers, derivatives and recombinant forms (cl.3(3))","Concentration and calculation rules (percentage definitions; salts/active principals; codeine as anhydrous) in cl.3(4)","Multiple conditional exceptions referencing Appendices A and G and Schedules 1–6 of the Poisons List","A single table (clause 4) combining diverse substance classes with different prescribed periods and conditional entries (e.g. cancer exception for fentanyl patches)","Dependency on administrative authority under s59E for supply beyond prescribed periods (creates procedural discretion and compliance burden)","Amendment history noted for clause 4 (S.R.2014 No.39) — indicates evolving scope and periodic updates","Commencement tied to another Act (Poisons Amendment Act 2009), adding timing dependency"],"plain_english_summary":"Sets maximum continuous-use periods for listed poisons — mainly opioids and some specified drugs — that a person may receive without an authority under section 59E of the Poisons Act 1971. Clause 4 contains a table of substances and days; Schedule 1 lists the named opioid substances. The order commences when the Poisons Amendment Act 2009 commences.\n\nPrescribers, dispensers and patients face the compliance and repeat-consultation costs of these limits; regulators decide on authorities for longer supply. The rule mechanically restricts private supply duration and creates incentives to obtain formal authority (cl.4; s59E)."},"summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available metadata, there is no clear evidence that the scope of this Order has changed from its original intent of prescribing time periods under the Tasmanian poisons regulatory framework. The amendments noted appear to be routine updates rather than expansions or contractions of scope."},"complexity_factors":["Subordinate legislation (statutory instrument) rather than a primary Act, requiring cross-reference to the parent Poisons Act to understand full context","Technical subject matter involving regulated substances across multiple professional sectors","Multiple amendments over time (Table of Amending Instruments referenced), meaning the current version may differ materially from the original","Insufficient substantive content visible in the provided text to fully assess scope or specific obligations"],"plain_english_summary":"This subordinate Tasmanian Order fixes statutory time periods for matters involving poisons — e.g., how long prescriptions remain valid and how long records must be kept — affecting pharmacists, prescribers and businesses that store, supply or use regulated substances.  \n\nIt matters because those limits drive compliance, and breaches can lead to fines or licence consequences. (The actual prescribed periods are not included in the provided text.)"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: setting time limits for continuous availability of scheduled poisons without authority. The 2014 amendments added specific substances (lisdexamfetamine, nabiximols) and refined fentanyl rules, but these represent incremental updates within the existing framework rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to external documents: the Poisons Act 1971, Poisons List, Uniform Standard for Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons, and Therapeutic Goods Act 1989","Complex definition of 'substance' in clause 3(3) with 7 inclusions and 3 exclusions, covering salts, derivatives, stereo-isomers, recombinant forms, and preparations","Nested conditional logic in the table: Fentanyl rules vary based on delivery method (patch vs lozenge) AND patient condition (cancer vs non-cancer)","Schedule 1 contains 50 listed opioid substances with multiple 'except when included in Schedule X' carve-outs that require knowledge of the Poisons List structure","Concentration calculation rules in clause 3(4) requiring mathematical conversion for salts and percentage expressions","Adoption of Commonwealth scheduling standards by reference, meaning the Order's meaning changes when the Commonwealth updates its Standard"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThis Order sets **time limits** on how long certain dangerous drugs (poisons) can be prescribed or made available to a person without special government approval.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Doctors and pharmacists** in Tasmania who prescribe or dispense controlled substances\n- **Patients** who need strong painkillers (opioids), stimulants, or other restricted medications\n\n**How it works:**\n\nThe legislation creates a table of **\"prescribed periods\"** — maximum numbers of days that specific substances can be supplied continuously before the prescriber must get an **authority** (special permission) from the government.\n\n**Key rules:**\n\n- **Most opioid painkillers** (like morphine, oxycodone, methadone): **60 days** maximum without authority\n- **High-risk stimulants** (amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine): **0 days** — meaning an authority is required **immediately**, you cannot get even one supply without approval\n- **Fentanyl patches and lozenges**: **0 days** for most patients, but **60 days** for cancer patients\n- **Alprazolam (Xanax) when prescribed with opioids**: **30 days** maximum\n- **Ketamine, hydromorphone, and others**: **0 days** — authority required from day one\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis is a **safeguard against addiction and misuse**. It forces doctors to get official approval for long-term or high-risk prescriptions, ensuring oversight of powerful and potentially addictive medications. The 0-day limits act as a hard stop on open-ended prescribing of the most dangerous substances."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/poisons-prescribed-periods-order-2009","history":"/api/acts/poisons-prescribed-periods-order-2009/history","analysis":"/api/acts/poisons-prescribed-periods-order-2009/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/poisons-prescribed-periods-order-2009/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/poisons-prescribed-periods-order-2009/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/poisons-prescribed-periods-order-2009/documents"}}