2023 PBS changes

Information related to transition arrangements is now redundant, and has been removed from this guide,  as all pre-July 2023 prescriptions will be either fully supplied, or are no longer valid.

New prescriptions written after July 1

New prescriptions for the PBS-listed opioid pharmacotherapy items should be PBS streamline authority prescriptions, with exact quantities for up to 28 days supply and two repeats OR for patients on methadone doses greater than 150mg, or sublingual buprenorphine doses greater than 32mg, a PBS authority prescription with telephone approval for an increased quantity.

Authorities for increased quantities of the long-acting buprenorphine injections are not provided for, but note that the usual rules for early supply are allowed, enabling more frequent injection for those patients that require it (typically between every 21 to 28 days).

Note that all state requirements and guidelines for the writing and dispensing of drugs of dependence prescriptions continue to apply or are recommended,

Writing valid PBS prescriptions for ODT.

After July 1, 2023 you must provide PBS prescriptions for ODT treatments. Pharmacists will be unable to dispense prescriptions as PBS if not correctly written.

Refer to tables below for maximum quantities and streamline authority codes.

1. Calculate the quantity of medication required for up to 28 days supply.
2. For patients requiring less than or equal to the maximum quantity for up to 28 days’ supply, provide a streamline authority paper or e-script for the calculated quantity plus up to 2 repeats,

   OR

   For patients requiring greater than the maximum quantity for up to 28 days’ supply (patients taking more than 150mg methadone or 32mg SL buprenorphine daily), obtain a telephone authority for the increased calculated quantity plus up to 2 repeats.

3. In the case of sublingual buprenorphine preparations, where more than one strength of buprenorphine is required, you must provide a prescription for each strength to be supplied.

Prescribing ‘monthly’ long-acting buprenorphine (LAIB) where the dose interval is less than 28 days

It should be noted that increased quantity authorities are not provided for LAIB, but this does not prevent prescribing a reduced dose interval for the ‘monthly’ injection (less than 28 days) when clinically appropriate. Prescribe a single injection and repeats and indicate the reduced interval clearly on the prescription. Your pharmacist is able to supply at the reduced interval under normal PBS rules.

Your patient having more frequent injections will also require more frequent new prescriptions, due to the reduced interval. e.g a patient having an injection supplied and administered every 21 days will need a new prescription at around every 63 days, presuming 1 injection and 2 repeats are prescribed.

Direct supplies of pharmacotherapy agents to doctors and nurse practitioners

Some doctors and nurse practitioners may obtain direct supply of pharmacotherapy agents, primarily LAIB. Transition arrangements allow for continued direct supply.

Clinicians currently receiving direct supply are encouraged to arrange alternative supply from a PBS accredited provider (a community pharmacy or approved hospital pharmacy) before the end of the transition period.