24 July 2018


Feedback sought on proposed reforms to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has released a consultation paper seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed reforms to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, which establishes the registration and accreditation of health practitioners.

 The proposal includes changes to:

  • the powers of The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and National Boards
  • mandatory reporting obligations
  • the way information is shared and reported
  • appeals mechanisms.

The RACGP is seeking feedback on the key questions raised in the consultation paper, available via the RACGP consultations page.

The RACGP consultation period closes 9.00 am Monday 10 September  (AEST).

Visit the RACGP website for more information.


Changes to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme restrictions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma medicines

GPs are advised of several changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) restrictions on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma medicines, effective as of 1 August.

These changes can be broadly summarised as falling into one of the three following categories:

  • Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) – for example, Symbicort, Seretide, Breo). Restriction level being elevated from Restricted Benefit to Authority Required (Streamlined).
  • Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/LABA – for example, Ultribro, Anoro, Spiolto, Brimica. Addition of clinical criteria to the current restrictions, allowing their use in patients who have been previously stabilised on a combination of LAMA and LABA medicines, but who have failed to have their symptoms controlled by either.
  • For all COPD (and asthma ICS/LABA) medicines – Administrate advice or ‘Notes’ as they appear on the PBS website, will be updated as per recommendations made by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in August. Please visit the website for these updates.

Refer to the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits (Summary of Changes) for further details. 


‘My Health Record in general practice’ education program

My Health Record is changing from a participant self-registration (‘opt-in’) model to an ‘opt-out’ model. All Australians known to Medicare or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are set to receive a My Health Record after 15 November 2018, unless they notify the government they do not want one.

General practice teams are likely to encounter questions from patients about the system and how it is used by healthcare providers. GPs are also likely to have their own questions about the purpose and functionality of My Health Record, as well as their own legislative requirements and potential impacts of the My Health Record expansion to their workflow.

The RACGP is working in collaboration with the Australian Digital Health Agency to deliver a national My Health Record education and awareness program for GPs. The program, which consists of a series of webinars and workshops, is being delivered by GPs across the country. Participants are eligible for four Category 2 RACGP QI&CPD points for the 2017–19 triennium.

Visit the RACGP website to access resources and register for a workshop or webinar.


Senate inquiry into the My Health Record System

The Senate referred the My Health System to the Community Affairs References Committee (the Committee) for inquiry on 15 August. The Committee has invited the RACGP to provide a written submission addressing aspects of the My Health Record system.

The RACGP is interested in understanding members’ use, understanding of and concerns regarding My Health Record. Members are invited to provide feedback on one or more of the issues outlined in the terms of reference. Feedback will inform the RACGP submission to the Senate Committee.

Interested members can view the terms of reference and provide feedback via the RACGP website.


In Practice poll results: Providing preventive care

More than one third of Australia’s total burden of disease can be attributed to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use. The RACGP is advocating for increased recognition of the important role GPs play in prevention and health promotion.

We polled members on the barriers faced in providing preventive healthcare. The most common barrier experienced in isolation was the diminishing Medicare rebates for longer consultation items. Thirty per cent of respondents noted these rebates do not support the provision of preventive healthcare. However, the majority of respondents (60%) identified that a combination of factors act as barriers to providing such care. Other factors, in addition to Medicare rebates, include patients not seeing the value in preventive care and difficulties finding the additional time to provide preventive care.

Thank you to all respondents for taking time to provide feedback. This feedback will help to inform our continued advocacy around reducing barriers to the provision of preventive healthcare.


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor