PBS Update Hepatitis B Prescribing

Hepatitis B Prescribing Accreditation Requirement Removed

The ACNP welcomes the Australian Government's decision to remove the prescriber accreditation requirement for hepatitis B medicines under the PBS Section 100 (s100) Highly Specialised Drugs Program from 1 September 2026. This means authorised medical practitioners and Nurse Practitioners can now prescribe eligible hepatitis B antiviral medicines without obtaining separate hepatitis B prescribing accreditation.

This reform removes an unnecessary administrative barrier to treatment and supports Nurse Practitioners to work to their full scope of practice. By increasing the number of clinicians able to initiate and continue treatment, it is expected to improve timely access to care and strengthen continuity of care for people living with chronic hepatitis B.

The change is particularly important for priority populations disproportionately affected by hepatitis B, including people from migrant and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, many of whom experience barriers to accessing specialist care. Improving access to treatment through a broader range of authorised prescribers has the potential to support earlier diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management, particularly in regional, rural, and underserved communities.

Why this is important

In Australia, an estimated 227,571 people were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2024, with the condition disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities, including many migrant populations. Despite effective treatments being available, only 28% of people living with hepatitis B were receiving regular care and just 13% were receiving antiviral treatment. By removing unnecessary accreditation requirements, this reform has the potential to improve access to treatment, reduce barriers to care, and support better health outcomes for people living with hepatitis B.¹

While the accreditation requirement has been removed, hepatitis B medicines remain available through the PBS s100 Highly Specialised Drugs Program, and all existing PBS eligibility and prescribing requirements continue to apply.

The ACNP wishes to acknowledge ASHM and the many clinicians, professional organisations, consumer groups, and sector leaders whose sustained advocacy has contributed to this important reform. ASHM's leadership in hepatitis B education, policy, and workforce development, and its recognition of the important role Nurse Practitioners play in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of hepatitis B, have been particularly valued.

This outcome represents a positive step towards reducing barriers to care, improving health equity, and ensuring more Australians can access timely, evidence-based hepatitis B treatment from the right clinician, at the right time.

For further information, see the 4th National Hepatitis B Strategy 2025-2030 or the factsheet available s100 HSD Program webpage

References

1. MacLachlan JH, Romero N, Cowie BC (Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity); Richardson L (ASHM Health). Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: Hepatitis B National Report 2026. Darlinghurst, NSW: ASHM; 2026. Available from: https://ashm.org.au/vh-mapping-project/