National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2011 (No. 1) (No. PB 101 of 2011)

Administered by Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Legislation au F2011L02753 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Issued by Authority of the Minister for Health and Ageing

NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953

NATIONAL HEALTH (CHEMOTHERAPY PHARMACEUTICALS ACCESS PROGRAM) SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT AMENDMENT INSTRUMENT 2011 (No. 1)

PB 101 of 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this legislative instrument, made under subsections 100(1) and 100(2) of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act), is to amend the National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 87 of 2011) (the Special Arrangement), to make changes to the special arrangement relating to the chemotherapy pharmaceuticals access program.

The Special Arrangement deals with the supply of chemotherapy pharmaceutical benefits at certain public hospitals to non-admitted patients, day admitted patients and patients on discharge. 

Section 100 special arrangements and Part VII of the Act

Subsection 100(1) enables the Minister to make special arrangements for, or in relation to, providing that an adequate supply of pharmaceutical benefits will be available to persons:

(a)  who are living in isolated areas: or

(b) who are receiving treatment in circumstances in which generally available

                        pharmaceutical benefits are inadequate for that treatment; or

(c)                    if the pharmaceutical benefits covered by the arrangements can be more

                        conveniently or efficiently supplied under the arrangements.

 

Subsection 100(3) provides that Part VII of the Act, and regulations and other legislative instruments made for the purposes of Part VII have effect subject to a special arrangement made under subsection 100(1). 

 

Subsection 100(2) provides that the Minister may vary or revoke a special arrangement made under subsection (1).

 

Changes to the Special Arrangement made by this Instrument

This instrument makes changes to the pharmaceutical benefits available under the section 100 special arrangement for the chemotherapy pharmaceuticals access program. The changes made by this instrument reflect changes to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument made under sections 84AF, 85, 85A, 88 and 101 of the Act, which commence on the same day.

 

This Instrument:

  • Adds 8 pharmaceutical benefits with the listed drugs ‘Carboplatin’, ‘Gemcitabine’, ‘Irinotecan’ and ‘Paclitaxel’;
  • Changes circumstances for pharmaceutical benefits with the listed drugs ‘Docetaxel’, ‘Paclitaxel’ and ‘Paclitaxel, nanoparticle albumin-bound; and
  • Changes purposes for pharmaceutical benefits with the listed drug ‘Docetaxel’.

 

Consultations

An ongoing and formal process of consultation in relation to matters relevant to this instrument includes the involvement of interested parties through the membership of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). PBAC is an independent expert body established by section 100A of the Act which makes recommendations to the Minister about which drugs and medicinal preparations should be available as pharmaceutical benefits. 

PBAC members are appointed following nomination by prescribed organisations and associations from consumers, health economists, practising community pharmacists, general practitioners, clinical pharmacologists and specialists, with at least one member selected from each of those interests or professions.  Remaining members are persons whom the Minister is satisfied have qualifications and experience in a field relevant to the functions of PBAC, and that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the deliberations of PBAC.  When recommending the listing of a medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), PBAC takes into account the medical conditions for which the medicine has been approved for use in Australia, its clinical effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness compared with other treatments.

General

This Instrument commences on 1 January 2012.

This Instrument is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.

A provision by provision description of this Instrument is contained in the Attachment.

 

 

ATTACHMENT

PROVISION BY PROVISION DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH (CHEMOTHERAPY PHARMACEUTICALS ACCESS PROGRAM) SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT AMENDMENT INSTRUMENT 2011 (No. 1)

Section 1  Name of Instrument

This section provides that this Instrument is the National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2011 (No. 1) and that it may also be cited as PB 101 of 2011.

Section 2  Commencement

This section provides that this Instrument commences on 1 January 2012.

Section 3   Amendments to PB 87 of 2010

This section provides that Schedule 1 amends the National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 87 of 2011) (the Principal Instrument). 

Schedule 1

Item 1 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Carboplatin’ by adding a new pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug Carboplatin in the form Solution for I.V. injection 450 mg in 45 mL with manner of administration ‘Injection and brand Carboplatin Kabi.

Item 2 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxelin the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 140 mg in 7 mlby removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 3 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 160 mg in 16 ml’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 4 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel in the form ‘Powder for I.V. infusion 20 mg with solvent’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’ for ‘Docetaxel’.

Item 5 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel in the form ‘Powder for I.V. infusion 80 mg with solvent’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’ for ‘Docetaxel’.

Item 6 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 1 mlwith maximum quantity ‘1’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 7 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 1 ml’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 8 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 1 ml’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing purposes code ‘P3893’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3955’ and removing purposes code ‘P3918’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3956’.

Item 9 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘DBL Docetaxel Concentrated Injection’ with maximum quantity ‘1’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 10 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 mL’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Ebewe’ with maximum quantity ‘1’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’.

Item 11 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Sandoz’ with maximum quantity ‘1’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 12 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘DBL Docetaxel Concentrated Injection’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 13 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘DBL Docetaxel Concentrated Injection’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing purposes code ‘P3893’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3955’ and removing purposes code ‘P3918’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3956’.

Item 14 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 mL’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Ebewe’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’.

Item 15 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 mL’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Ebewe’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing purposes code ‘P3893’ and inserting purposes code ‘C3955’.

Item 16 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Sandoz’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 17 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg in 2 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Sandoz’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing purposes code ‘P3893’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3955’ and removing purposes code ‘P3918’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3956’.

Item 18 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel in the form ‘Injection set containing 1 single use vial concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg (anhydrous) in 0.5 mL with solvent’ with maximum quantity ‘1’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’ and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 19 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form Injection set containing 1 single use vial concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg (anhydrous) in 0.5 mL with solvent with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 20 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Injection set containing 1 single use vial concentrate for I.V. infusion 20 mg (anhydrous) in 0.5 mL with solvent’ with maximum quantity ‘2’ by removing purposes code ‘P3893’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3955’ and removing purposes code ‘P3918’ and inserting purposes code ‘P3956’.

Item 21 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 80 mg in 4 ml’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 22 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 80 mg in 8 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘DBL Docetaxel Concentrated Injection’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 23 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 80 mg in 8 mL’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Ebewe’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’.

Item 24 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 80 mg in 8 ml’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Docetaxel Sandoz’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 25 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ in the form ‘Injection set containing 1 single use vial concentrate for I.V. infusion 80 mg (anhydrous) in 2 mL with solvent’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3893’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3955’and removing circumstances code ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances code ‘C3956’.

Item 26 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Gemcitabine’ by adding a pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug ‘Gemcitabine’ in the form ‘Solution for injection 200 mg (as hydrochloride) in 5.3 mL’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘DBL Gemcitabine Injection’.

Item 27 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Gemcitabine’ by adding a pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug ‘Gemcitabine’ in the form ‘Solution for injection 1 g (as hydrochloride) in 26.3 mL’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘DBL Gemcitabine Injection’.

Item 28 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Gemcitabine’ by adding a pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug ‘Gemcitabine’ in the form ‘Solution for injection 2 g (as hydrochloride) in 52.6 mL’ with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘DBL Gemcitabine Injection’.

Item 29 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Irinotecan’ by adding a pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug ‘Irinotecan’ in the form I.V. injection containing irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate 500 mg in 25 mL with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Tecan’.

Item 30 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Paclitaxel’ by removing circumstances codes ‘C3893’ and ‘C3918’ and inserting circumstances codes ‘C3955’ and ‘C3956’.

Item 31 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Paclitaxel’ by adding a pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug ‘Paclitaxel’ in the form Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 30 mg in 5 mL with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Paclitaxel Pfizer’.

Item 32 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Paclitaxelby adding a pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug ‘Paclitaxel’ in the form Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 100 mg in 16.7 mL with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Paclitaxel Pfizer’.

Item 33 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Paclitaxelby adding a pharmaceutical benefit, which is the listed drug ‘Paclitaxel’ in the form ‘Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 300 mg in 50 mL with manner of administration ‘Injection’ and brand ‘Paclitaxel Pfizer’.

Item 34 amends the entry in Schedule 1 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Paclitaxel, nanoparticle albumin-bound’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3897’ and inserting circumstances codes ‘C3955’ and ‘C3956’.

Item 35 amends the entry in Schedule 3 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Docetaxel’ by removing circumstances codes ‘C3893’ and ‘C3918’ and the circumstances associated with them and inserting circumstances codes ‘C3955’ and ‘C3956’ and the circumstances associated with them.

Item 36 amends the entry in Schedule 3 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Paclitaxel’ by removing circumstances codes ‘C3893’ and ‘C3918’ and the circumstances associated with them and inserting circumstances codes ‘C3955’ and ‘C3956’ and the circumstances associated with them.

Item 37 amends the entry in Schedule 3 of the Principal Instrument for ‘Paclitaxel, nanoparticle albumin-bound’ by removing circumstances code ‘C3897’ and the circumstances associated with it and inserting circumstances codes ‘C3955’ and ‘C3956’ and the circumstances associated with them.

 

Overview

The National Health Act 1953, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, addresses the provision of pharmaceutical benefits to individuals in specific circumstances, such as those living in isolated areas or receiving treatment where generally available pharmaceutical benefits are inadequate. The Act empowers the Minister for Health to make special arrangements to ensure an adequate supply of pharmaceutical benefits. In 2011, the National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument was introduced to modify the special arrangement concerning the Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program. This amendment aimed to update the pharmaceutical benefits available under the program, reflecting changes in the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument. The changes include adding new pharmaceutical benefits for listed drugs such as Carboplatin, Gemcitabine, Irinotecan, and Paclitaxel, and modifying the circumstances and purposes for other drugs like Docetaxel and Paclitaxel. The policy objective of these amendments is to ensure that patients have access to necessary chemotherapy pharmaceuticals in public hospitals, enhancing their treatment options and overall healthcare outcomes.

Scope and Application

The National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2011 (No. 1) amends the National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement 2011, focusing on the supply of chemotherapy pharmaceutical benefits at certain public hospitals to non-admitted patients, day admitted patients and patients on discharge. This legislative instrument, made under the National Health Act 1953, introduces changes to the special arrangement concerning the chemotherapy pharmaceuticals access program, which reflects changes to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument. The Instrument adds eight new pharmaceutical benefits, including drugs such as Carboplatin, Gemcitabine, Irinotecan, and Paclitaxel, and modifies the circumstances and purposes for the pharmaceutical benefits associated with Docetaxel, Paclitaxel, and Paclitaxel, nanoparticle albumin-bound. The changes are effective from 1 January 2012 and are designed to ensure an adequate supply of pharmaceutical benefits for those receiving treatment in circumstances where generally available pharmaceutical benefits are inadequate. The Instrument does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but it is subject to the overarching provisions of the National Health Act 1953 and its regulations, which may be varied or revoked by the Minister.

Key Provisions

The National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2011 (No. 1) amends the National Health (Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program) Special Arrangement 2011 (PB 87 of 2011) (Special Arrangement) to update the list of pharmaceutical benefits available under the Chemotherapy Pharmaceuticals Access Program. The changes introduced by this Instrument primarily include adding new pharmaceutical benefits and modifying the circumstances and purposes of existing pharmaceutical benefits. Specifically, the Instrument adds new benefits for the drugs Carboplatin, Gemcitabine, Irinotecan, and Paclitaxel, and changes the circumstances and purposes for the drug Docetaxel, among others. These amendments reflect updates to the National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument, ensuring that the Special Arrangement remains aligned with the latest changes in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The Act imposes several obligations on the parties and entities governed by it. Firstly, it requires the Minister for Health and Ageing to ensure that an adequate supply of pharmaceutical benefits is available under the special arrangement, particularly for those living in isolated areas or receiving treatment where generally available pharmaceutical benefits are inadequate. The Act also mandates that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) be involved in the consultation process when making recommendations about which drugs should be available as pharmaceutical benefits. PBAC, an independent expert body, considers the medical conditions for which the medicine has been approved, its clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness compared to other treatments. Furthermore, the Act requires that any changes to the Special Arrangement be made through a legislative instrument, as evidenced by this Amendment Instrument, ensuring a formal and transparent process. The Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches in this context. However, breaches of provisions related to the supply of pharmaceutical benefits could potentially lead to civil or criminal liability under other sections of the National Health Act 1953 or other relevant legislation. For instance, unauthorised supply of pharmaceutical benefits could be considered an offence under the Act, potentially leading to penalties as prescribed by law. In the context of the PBS, penalties for non-compliance or fraudulent activities could be severe, including substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the breach.

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