What has changed
The federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has registered an amendment instrument updating the rules that govern the Highly Specialised Drugs Program. This program controls how certain high-cost medicines are supplied and funded through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The instrument is titled the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (October Update) Instrument 2026 and carries the identifier F2026L01339. It was registered on 30 September 2026.
What the amendment does
The amendment instrument amends the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021 (PB 27 of 2021) via Schedule 1. The source document does not specify which particular drug listings or supply conditions were changed in this October update.
Key actions
- Those who dispense or supply highly specialised drugs under the PBS can check the updated instrument at legislation.gov.au/F2026L01339 to see what Schedule 1 changes apply to dispensing arrangements from 30 September 2026.
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing can be contacted directly for clarification on how the October 2026 amendments affect specific drug supply arrangements, as the source does not detail the individual changes made.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.