Opioid Dependence Treatment Program – Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Changes

The Commonwealth supports access to medicines for the treatment of opioid dependence through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The way in which ODT medicines are currently listed on the PBS Schedule is changing.

From 1 July 2023, ODT medicines will become part of the Section 100 Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) Program (Community Access) arrangements. This means ODT medicines will be dispensed in the same way as other community access Section 100 HSD Program medicines from section 90 approved community pharmacies, section 92 approved medical practitioners, and section 94 approved hospital authorities (public and private).

Under the Section 100 HSD Program, PBS-eligible patients will pay the PBS co-payment to access their treatment (for up to 28 days’ supply per pharmaceutical benefit prescribed) and the amount paid will contribute towards their PBS Safety Net threshold. Additional private dispensing or dosing fees cannot be charged by section 90 community or section 94 hospital pharmacies to patients for access to ODT medicines under the PBS.

From 1 July 2023, a community pharmacy program for ODT medicines will be established, including on-site pharmacist administration of injectable buprenorphine, that will introduce nationally consistent payment arrangements for ODT services provided by community pharmacists.

State and territory governments operate individual ODT programs in their respective jurisdictions. The operation of state and territory ODT programs are and will continue to be governed by the respective policies, guidelines and regulations within each of those jurisdictions.

More information:

• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – Opioid Dependence Treatment Program
• AIVL – information for people on opioid treatment: methadone, suboxone, subutex, & buprenorphine injections.

Community Pharmacotherapy Program

In Western Australia, the Community Pharmacotherapy Program (CPP) provides support, information, advice, training and resources for clients, pharmacists and medical practitioners involved in methadone and buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence throughout WA.

CPP together with the Department of Health administer the clinical and regulatory controls which apply across the Program.

CPP can be contacted by phone: (08) 9219 1907 or fax: (08) 9471 0444, Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (excepting public holidays).

Alcohol and other Drug Treatment, Support and Information

For alcohol and other drug information, support and referrals, please call the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on (08) 9442 5000 (1800 198 024 for country callers). The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For information about the alcohol and other drug services available throughout WA, please visit the GreenBook Service Directory.