Processing times for Schedule 8 permit applications
Please note that applications for Schedule 8 treatment permits are currently being processed in approximately 15 business days. However, this processing time may be longer due to an increasingly high volume of applications received.
To view the status of your permit application(s), please check SafeScript.
All Schedule 8 permits and correspondence are sent to SafeScript for you to view and/or download. When you receive new correspondence in SafeScript, you will receive an email from SafeScript to your SafeScript registered email address to alert you, unless you have opted-out of these emails.
Apply for Schedule 8 and Pharmacotherapy permits in SafeScript
Schedule 8 and Pharmacotherapy online permit application forms are no longer available on this website.
Please apply for Schedule 8 and Pharmacotherapy permits directly in SafeScript.
Applying for a permit in SafeScript is quicker and easier as SafeScript will pre-fill much of the required information for you.
For help with applying for a permit in SafeScript, please visit the SafeScript Help Topics(opens in a new window) webpage. If you experience any technical issues with SafeScript, please contact SafeScript technical support for assistance on 1800 723 379 or it.safescript@health.vic.gov.au
Alternatively, you can download a PDF of the application form and send your completed application by email or fax.
The Department of Health helps to protect the community from the potential harm of medicines and chemicals. One way it does this is through controls defined in Victorian Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances legislation.
This legislation is applicable to substances that are listed in the Australian Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons.
Victorian legislative controls for these substances vary according to their risk. Some of these controls include:
- Defining who is authorised to lawfully possess certain scheduled substances
- Requirements for the storage of scheduled substances
- Requirements for prescribing and supplying scheduled medicines
The Department also monitors and responds to legislative non-compliance.
Commonly used online forms
For a full list of online forms, please visit the Online Forms - Medicines and Poisons Regulation web page.
- Cancellation of Schedule 8 treatment permits
- Notification of termination of methadone or buprenorphine program
- Propose changes or review an existing licence or permit to obtain (and possibly supply) scheduled substances.
- Apply for a new licence or permit to obtain (and possibly supply) scheduled substances
If you have issues registering with SafeScript or logging in SafeScript, please contact SafeScript technical support on 1800 723 379.
E-cigarettes and vaping
The Australian Government has introduced a comprehensive range of reforms to address vaping. Vaping goods cannot be supplied through any non-pharmacy retail store, vape shops or convenience stores.
Schedule 9 permits for clinical trials
Legislative requirements and process for obtaining S9 permits in human clinical trials.
Patient Schedule 8 treatment permits
Legislative requirements for medical practitioners and nurse practitioners wishing to obtain permits to prescribe Schedule 8 medicines and warrants to prescribe selected Schedule 4 poisons.
Schedule 8 MDMA and Schedule 8 psilocybine
Information and legislative requirements for Schedule 8 MDMA and Schedule 8 psilocybine
Licences and permits to possess (and possibly supply) scheduled substances
Apply for, or change a licence or permit to possess (and possibly supply) scheduled substances. [May be used in industry and health]
Medicines and poisons recent updates
Latest updates in the medicine and poisons sector including changes to regulatory requirements, authorisations, emergency supply and monitoring of specific items.
Frequently Asked Questions – Medicines and Poisons Regulation
This page contains answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Legislation and approvals
Includes medications in aged care, poisons code, approvals by Minister and Secretary, synthetic cannabinoids and e-cigarettes.
Pharmacotherapy (opioid replacement therapy)
Opioid replacement therapy. Legislative requirements and policies associated with the use of methadone and buprenorphine in the provision of opioid-replacement therapy.
SafeScript
Information on the Victorian Government's SafeScript initiative.
Medicinal cannabis
Information about the Victorian Government’s policy on medicinal cannabis.
Documents and forms to print or download – requirements for health practitioners
Summaries of legislative requirements and related forms for different health practitioners.
Health practitioners
Legislative requirements for medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, veterinary practitioners, dental practitioners, optometrists and podiatrists.
Updated