What was updated
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has amended the rules governing the Highly Specialised Drugs Program under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The amending instrument is the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (September Update) Instrument 2026, registered on 31 August 2026.
The amendment makes changes to the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021 (PB 27 of 2021), which is made under the National Health Act 1953. The Highly Specialised Drugs Program controls how certain high-cost medicines are supplied and funded under the PBS.
What the source does not specify
The source summary does not identify which specific drugs, prices, or access conditions were changed by this amendment. The full details of the changes appear in Schedule 1 of the instrument.
Date in force
The instrument was registered on 31 August 2026 and is already in force as of that date.
Key actions
- Businesses that supply or dispense highly specialised drugs under the PBS Highly Specialised Drugs Program are able to review the full instrument at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01147 to identify which drugs or conditions were amended in Schedule 1.
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is the administering body for clarification on how the September 2026 update affects specific drug supply arrangements. The source does not provide a contact email or phone number.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.