PHARMAC Rules and Regulations

The provision of all medication is now governed by PHARMAC rules and regulations. Prescribing medication within the hospital must be in accordance with PHARMAC Hospital Medicines List (HML) rules. These govern the medicines that may be prescribed and the situations in which they may be prescribed in NZ hospitals. From a local point of view, prescribing in accordance with the Pink Book, Canterbury Hospital HealthPathways, or the Haematology Red Book will normally ensure compliance.

In addition, DHBs must submit a claim to PHARMAC for reimbursement of the cost of chemotherapy used. This means it is vital to follow the PHARMAC rules. Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule outlines the chemotherapeutic agents that may be used to treat malignant conditions and any restrictions on their use.

Although most of the chemotherapy used in haematology remains freely available without restriction, the following agents require Special Authority application for approval:

Due to the financial implications, these drugs will not be dispensed until the Special Authority has been granted.

If a drug is to be used that is not listed in the PHARMAC HML or Schedule, or is to be used outside of the restrictions permitted in the PHARMAC HML or Schedule (e.g. alemtuzumab), an application to PHARMAC for a Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA) must be made. Where treatment is required within 5 days, a local "rapid assessment" can be made. Treatment can be initiated, but a declaration of use and reasons for the use must be made. This involves adding a "Medication Note" document to the patient’s Health Connect South record.


About this Canterbury DHB document (11659):
Document Owner:	Timothy Vincent (see Who's Who)
Last Reviewed:	March 2020
Next Review:	March 2023
Keywords:
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document. Disclaimer The Haematology Department Protocols and Guidelines (the Red Book) are intended as a guide for registered health professionals to communicate guidelines and share best practices with supporting health professionals within New Zealand district health boards. They are not intended to be provided to or used as a reference for patients or non-registered health professionals. All health professionals must exercise their own clinical judgement and use pertinent clinical data when treating patients. The authors and editors of this publication have checked with sources believed to be reliable in their effort to provide information that is complete and in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, in view of the possibility of human error or changes in medical science, neither the authors, editors, publisher, nor any other party who has been involved in preparing or publishing this work warrants that the information contained in it is accurate or complete in every respect. They therefore have no liability (whether in tort (including negligence) or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance on this information. This publication has been compiled by the staff and contractors of Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and as such CDHB has copyright for this book. Amendments must be authorised in accordance with the documented process. No release of part of, or all of, this publication to any other party or organisation is permissible without the prior approval of the designated document owner.
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