PBS Regulation 24 enables pharmacists, in certain circumstances, to supply a pharmaceutical benefit and all of its repeats at once.
Details
The prescription must be endorsed by the doctor with the words 'Regulation 24' or 'Reg 24' if it is a medicine supplied under the PBS, or 'hardship conditions apply' if it is being supplied under the RPBS. 'Reg 24' must be written by the prescriber against each item; or (Reg 24) beside the items will be accepted as long as it is written by the prescriber.
Under this regulation, the medical practitioner must be satisfied that all of the following conditions apply:
- The maximum quantity is insufficient for the patient's treatment.
- The patient has a chronic illness or lives in a remote area where access to PBS supplies is limited.
- The patient would suffer great hardship trying to get the pharmaceutical benefit on separate occasions.
It is preferred that a prescriber uses Regulation 24 to supply sufficient medication for a patient travelling overseas for a period. The prescriber should only write the number of repeats on the Regulation 24 prescription necessary to cover the time overseas.
Example
The prices are indicative only.
For a prescription with Regulation 24 endorsement, the patient pays a maximum of $29.50 for each supply. E.g. Lipex® 10mg Repeat twice Reg 24= total of 90 tablets, total charge is $$88.50 ($29.50 x 3). Patients who have a concessional entitlement pay $4.70 for each supply; total charge is $14.10 ($4.70 x3).
The pharmacist receives only one professional dispensing fee for the supply of the total quantity. The patient is charged the maximum applicable fee for each supply plus any extra fees such as brand price premium or therapeutic group premium for each supply.
Further reading
What is a Regulation 24 prescription? on the PBS website.