To minimise the harm caused by opioid prescription medicines to Australians each year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is continuing to implement a number of regulatory changes which aim to ensure the safe and effective prescribing and use of opioids while maintaining access for patients who need them.
There have been changes to the PBS to support the new regulations. These include funding for smaller quantities, changes to the 'indications' that will be funded, and changes to the authority process required for opioids to be subsidised. This PBS changes came into effect from 1 June 2020.
Information Webinar
ACRRM, in partnership with the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), has been supported by the TGA to assist rural and remote health professionals to access information and resources in relation to the regulatory changes which have been implemented to reduce opioid related harm.
There will be a webinar on the evening of 23 June 2020 to provide more detailed information about the changes. As part of the project, College members will also be able to gain free access to some training modules from the ANZCA Faculty of Pain Medicine.
More information on both the webinar and access to the modules will be published soon.
The College's opioid project webpage is regularly updated with information and resources.