Changes on the way for opioid prescribers
29 May 2020

Changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings for opioid medications will come into effect on 1 June 2020. The changes apply to all PBS opioid medications, including tramadol and paracetamol/codeine.
To be eligible for treatment with opioids, the PBS says patients will need to be unresponsive or intolerant, or have achieved inadequate relief of their acute pain, to maximum tolerated doses of non-opioid treatments.
There will be restrictions on the quantity which can be prescribed, with packs of immediate release opioids reduced to two to three days’ supply with no repeats for non-chronic pain. Patients who require long-term treatment of chronic pain with opioids will have access to larger packs and repeat prescriptions where they meet the new restriction requirements. GPs must refer patients to a pain specialist or other prescriber if the patient is expected to be on opioids for more than 12 months.
There are also new authorisation requirements and eligibility criteria for high strength opioids such as morphine and fentanyl.
These changes have been made in response to the number of deaths and hospitalisations due to prescription opioids and are part of wider ranging measures including:
- education and awareness campaigns
- changes to clinical guidelines
- ongoing prescription and compliance monitoring.
MDA National’s Prescribing Opioids interactive online education activity can be accessed here.
Not yet subscribed to receive our medico-legal blog? Scroll down to subscribe and stay connected.
This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.

Doctors, Let's Talk: Setting Boundaries At Work
A conversation with Nicola Campbell, Psychiatry Registrar, that explores the necessity of setting professional boundaries as a Junior Doctor.
07 Dec 2022

Doctors, Let's Talk: Your Support Network Is Your Net-Worth
A conversation with Nidhi Krishnan, Paediatric Registrar, that explores the value of building a strong network as a Junior Doctor.
07 Dec 2022

Doctors, Let's Talk: Are Retreats Worth The Money?
A conversation with Dr Emily Amos, General Practitioner, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and registered mindfulness teacher, that explores the utility of mindful retreats and self-care among Junior Doctors.
07 Dec 2022

Doctors, Let's Talk: Is Quitting Medicine Ever The Answer?
A conversation with Dr Ashe Coxon, General Practitioner, career counsellor, and founder of Medical Career Planning, that explores the issue of dealing with career uncertainty as a Junior Doctor.
07 Dec 2022