Review of PBS Prescriber Bag Schedule
Page last updated: 3 July 2025
Overview
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the Department) is currently undertaking a review of the medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Prescriber Bag Schedule (the Review), for consideration by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
The Prescriber Bag, also known as the Doctor’s Bag, is a separate PBS Schedule that enables authorised health practitioners to obtain and supply certain pharmaceutical benefits directly to patients without the need for a prescription. This arrangement facilitates quick access to specific medicines for short term, emergency use.
At its August 2024 Executive meeting, the PBAC noted stakeholder views that current Prescriber Bag medicines were no longer suitable for use in the contemporary emergency medicine setting. The PBAC requested that the Department undertake a review of the PBS Prescriber Bag, which should include a utilisation analysis of Prescriber Bag medicines, and targeted consultation with key stakeholders on the medicines that would best support emergency care. The PBAC stated that the purpose of the Review is to ensure that the PBS Prescriber Bag supports emergency patient care through inclusion of pharmaceutical benefits that reflect contemporary best emergency practice and are efficacious and safe.
In December 2024, the Department commenced the Review by writing to key stakeholders, seeking input to inform the Review. In parallel with the stakeholder consultation process, the Department is conducting a utilisation analysis of Prescriber Bag items, using PBS data over the 2018-2024 period.
Stakeholder consultation
Between 20 December 2024 and 28 February 2025, the Department invited key stakeholders to provide input on medicines suitable for inclusion in the PBS Prescriber Bag to support emergency patient care, are efficacious and safe, and reflect contemporary best emergency practice. The Department welcomed all responses from interested individuals and organisations.
The findings from the stakeholder consultation on Prescriber Bag medicines will be presented to the PBAC at a future meeting.
PBAC considerations relating to the PBS Review
May 2025 intracycle meeting
At its May 2025 intracycle meeting, the Department sought the PBAC’s advice on the purpose and intent of the Prescriber Bag to inform the Review. The PBAC noted issues raised in stakeholder submissions and reiterated that the purpose of the Prescriber Bag is to provide medicines for emergency care.
Next steps
At a later meeting in 2025, the PBAC will be asked to consider the utilisation of PBS Prescriber Bag medicines over the 2018-2024 period, and provide advice on stakeholder submissions received through the consultation process.
Information on upcoming items for consideration by the PBAC are available in the PBAC Meeting Agenda. PBAC meeting outcomes are published on the PBS website six weeks following each meeting.
All authorised prescribers are encouraged to check the Summary of Changes published at the beginning of each new calendar month for latest information on PBS listings.
