PBS Website Update - 1 November 2010
The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits was updated on 1 November 2010 and the Summary
of Changes can be found on the New amended and deleted items page. Detailed information regarding additions and alterations of restrictions is now
available in the fact sheet, New Listings and Changes To PBS 1 November 2010.
You will have noticed the new look to the website, the changes are not merely superficial.
The background programming that delivers information on the PBS including to the website
has been substantially upgraded. This has involved a total rebuild of the data model,
the development of new publishing software and the complete rewrite of all the underlying
code for the electronic and printed Schedule and other data outputs. The software
changes have also allowed us to implement some design changes to the website to accommodate
information for nurse practitioners and midwives.
From 1 November 2010 Midwives and Nurse Practitioners authorised as PBS prescribers are able to write prescriptions for certain medicines
under the PBS. Medicines that can be prescribed by Midwives and Nurse Practitioners can be viewed in the 'Browse the PBS' search option. Also a prescriber column has
been added to drug tables and prescriber icons now make it easier to quickly identify
who can prescribe individual items.
No redevelopment of software is drama free and this was no exception, most glitches
were detected and corrected before our go live date, others will take a further day
or two to fix. You can assist by letting us know ways in which we can better meet
your needs. You are encouraged to explore the website and familiarise yourself with
the new functionality, enhanced search capability and the restructured main navigation.
The following updates have also been made to the PBS Website:
- Items Exempt from Statutory Price Reductions - 1 November 2010
- Formulary Allocations - 1 November 2010
- Summary of deadlines for 2010-2012 PBS monthly listing process
