Removal of Fibrin Sealants from Prescribed List

The Department of Health and Aged Care’s (DoHAC) have removed fibrin sealants from the Prescribed List (PL) as of 1 November 2024. The sealants are being considered as "medicines" rather than as "devices" or "implants".

In response, AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen wrote to Department Secretary Mr Blair Comley and Health Minister Butler to seek an urgent reversal of this decision. The AMA argues that this decision jeopardises clinical autonomy and the affordability and safety of relevant surgery for patients. It also risks the costs of relevant items being passed on to treating doctors, given that many private health insurance contracts lock doctors in to ‘no-gap’ arrangements.

In July, ANZAUS also submitted a response to the proposal, strongly opposing the removal of these items and asking DoHAC to reconsider the decision. Read the ANZAUS letter.

Private Healthcare Australia has stated the health funds will continue to support the use of fibrin sealants and pay for them. Download the PHA letter.

We note that PuraStat and Floseal remain on the PL.

Read more about the AMA advocacy.