Becoming a Sub-Agent

There are still opportunities for suitably qualified entities to become Sub-Agents.

In this Section

Who are Sub-Agents?
Pharmacies
Categories of Criteria
Applying the Criteria
Applications
Demonstrated Interest Criteria
Training

Who are Sub-Agents?

An Agent may appoint any of the following bodies to become an NDSS Sub-Agent:

• community pharmacies
  
• community health centres
  
• diabetes centres
  
• hospitals
  
• divisions of general practice
  
• appropriate allied health practices
  
• Aboriginal health services, and
  
• other appropriate outlets that have been approved by Diabetes Australia in writing.

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Pharmacies

All approved pharmacies throughout Australia are eligible to become a Sub-Agent. However, the pharmacy must first demonstrate to the Agent the following:

• a current pharmacy licence, location approval and approved PBS supplier status, and
  
• a high level of interest and commitment to providing specialty services to people with diabetes.

Any pharmacy that believes it can meet the eligibility criteria is invited to apply to become a Sub-Agent.
 
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Categories of Criteria

Agents must assess each Sub-Agent application against a set of nationally consistent criteria. There are two categories of criteria:

• Feasibility criteria - These criteria relate to an Agent’s capacity to recruit, induct and provide ongoing support to a new Sub-Agent, and
  
• Demonstrated Interest criteria - These criteria relate specifically to the applicant and their level of interest and commitment to diabetes.

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Applying the Criteria

The criteria are applied differently depending on whether the applicant is a pharmacy or a non-pharmacy.

• For pharmacies - the criteria can only be used to decide the timeframe and priority for taking them on as a Sub-Agent. All pharmacies must be taken on as a Sub-Agent when they meet the demonstrated criteria.
  
• For non-pharmacy applicants - the criteria can be used to decide whether the application is approved or rejected.
  
  

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Applications

The Sub-Agent application includes:

• the demonstrated interest criteria
  
• Sub-Agent terms and conditions.
  

The applicant conducts a self-assessment against the demonstrated interest criteria and agrees to the terms and conditions.


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Demonstrated Interest Criteria

The following criteria are used to determine whether an applicant currently meets the required standards to become a Sub-Agent.

• Evidence that relevant diabetes training and education programs are currently in place for staff.
  
• Current knowledge of local diabetes support services.
  
• Evidence of diabetes services currently being provided to people with diabetes, in addition to retail sales.
  
• Evidence of high quality customer service and care.
  
• Ability to cater for language and cultural needs that are prevalent in the area.
  
• Active involvement with medical and allied health care service providers to people with diabetes.
  
• Overall safety and presentation of store and staff.
  
• Necessary IT infrastructure and internet access with the ability to download and provide current information to Registrants.
  
• Front door and aisles wide enough for disabled access.
  
• Private area for one-on-one consultations with Registrants, with adequate seating.
  

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Training

When the applicant has successfully achieved all of the demonstrated interest criteria, approval is given in principle for the applicant to become a Sub-Agent. However, the applicant can only commence operating as an NDSS Sub-Agent once all staff have successfully completed the training and assessment.


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