Policy for maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence

The Policy for maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence provides prescribers and pharmacists supplying pharmacotherapies with information about Victorian policy that regulates treatment of opioid dependence with pharmacotherapy (opioid replacement therapy).

The policy advises practice standards for practitioners and aims to enhance coordination and cooperation between professionals involved in patient management. It also provides contacts for a range of support services

Victoria's current Policy for maintenance pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence has been is effective from 1 September 2016. The latest update to the policy takes effect from 1 July 2023 and reflect changes made to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which introduced:

• additional requirements for prescribing opioid replacement therapy
• the usual PBS co-payment for the supply of pharmacotherapies (usually for up to 28 days’ supply per pharmaceutical benefit prescribed), with the amount paid contributing towards the PBS Safety Net threshold
  • importantly, from 1 July 2023, pharmacists cannot charge patients additional private dispensing or dosing fees for the supply of ORT under the PBS.

All other elements of the policy remain as per the last substantive revision in 2016.