Learn about how to enable real time prescription monitoring in Parchment here.
What is Real-Time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM)?
Real-Time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) is an Australian initiative designed to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of prescription medicine misuse. It provides prescribers and pharmacists with instant visibility into a patient’s history with certain high-risk medications, helping clinicians make safer, more informed decisions.
What Medicines Are Monitored?
RTPM systems track:
Schedule 8 (S8) medicines – e.g. opioids, stimulants
Select Schedule 4 (S4) medicines – e.g. benzodiazepines, codeine-based medications (varies by state)
These are medicines that carry a higher risk of dependence, misuse, or overdose.
What Information Is Checked?
When a check is performed, the following is visible:
Patient name and date of birth
Prescriber and pharmacy details
Medicine name, strength, and quantity
Prescribing and dispensing dates
Prescribing history across participating jurisdictions
RTPM Risk Indicator Colours
When you view a patient’s RTPM history, the system assigns a risk indicator colour to help highlight potential concerns:
Colour | Meaning |
🟢 Green | No concerning prescription history detected. Safe to proceed with caution. |
🟠 Amber | Some indicators of risk – e.g. frequent prescriptions, multiple prescribers. Use clinical judgement and review history carefully. |
🔴 Red | High-risk activity detected – e.g. signs of doctor shopping, unsafe quantities, or multiple overlapping prescriptions. Review urgently before prescribing. |
These flags are not diagnostic but serve as a decision-support tool to guide appropriate prescribing and ensure patient safety.
Checking RTPM
How to Check RTPM in Each State or Territory
Each Australian jurisdiction operates its own RTPM system. Access typically requires separate registration through the relevant health department:
State/Territory | Portal Name | Registration Link |
Victoria | SafeScript | |
NSW | SafeScript NSW | |
Queensland | QScript | |
South Australia | ScriptCheckSA | |
Tasmania | TasScript | |
ACT | CanberraScript ACT | |
Western Australia | ScriptCheckWA | |
Northern Territory | RTPM NT |
Integrated RTPM Checks via Parchment
For prescribers using Parchment, there is no need to log into separate portals or interrupt your workflow.
✅ Real-Time Prescription Monitoring checks are integrated directly into the Parchment platform, and check across all states.
✅ The check is automatically performed within the prescribing workflow, without leaving the software.
✅ Risk indicators (Green, Amber, Red) are displayed in real time, helping you make informed decisions at the point of care.
This direct integration not only saves time but ensures full compliance with local requirements—without the administrative burden.
Stages of RTPM Implementation
Voluntary Use Phase
System is available; use is encouraged but not enforced.Mandatory Use Phase
Prescribers/pharmacists are legally required to consult RTPM before prescribing or dispensing.Ongoing Monitoring
Data is reviewed to guide policy, education, and clinical interventions.
Why RTPM Matters
Protects patient safety
Reduces medication misuse
Supports clinical confidence
Prevents doctor-shopping and overprescribing
By using Parchment, you’re not only simplifying compliance—you’re strengthening clinical decision-making with built-in tools that help you care for your patients safely and responsibly.