PBS Authorities Update - July 2024
From 1 July 2024, there will be updates to the PBS Authority Prescription Process and Online PBS Authorities System.
Changes to PBS Authority Prescription Process
From 1 July 2024, Services Australia will no longer accept original prescriptions. Only details of the proposed PBS prescription (and PDF form where appropriate) will be accepted when seeking PBS authority approval via the post. The Authority Approval Number will not be recorded on the prescription. Where applicable, keep a copy of the written authority application form and provide only copies of pathology results. PBS Authority prescription pads will also be updated, with the 'Tick for return to patient' checkbox removed and the number of sheets per pad increased to 50.
For further information about these changes, download the Services Australia Factsheet.
Written PBS Authorities can be submitted through the Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) Form Upload Function. Most PBS Authorities can be requested and approved in 'real time' using the Online PBS Authorities system.
Updates to Online PBS Authorities System
The Online PBS Authorities system has been updated to enable the functionality for all PBS Authorities to be submitted online. The changes to the digital submission channel will make the Online PBS Authorities system easier to use and address feedback from prescribers.
Changes include
- The ability to upload supporting documentation directly into the Online PBS Authorities system
- Improvements to the Authority Prescription Number function
- Dynamically displayed question and answers to better assess patient eligibility
- A new feature of delayed assessment
- A copy/paste icon on the Application Assessment Result screen
For more information about the changes, download the PBS June 2024 Factsheet or visit the Services Australia website.