Following correspondence with the College, the Department of Health and Aged Care have confirmed that psychiatrists are only considered ‘PBS prescribers’ under Part VII of the National Health Act 1953 when practicing from within Australia or eligible external territories listed in Section 6A.

As such, PBS prescriptions issued from overseas are invalid for the purpose of benefits a patient would otherwise be entitled to under Section 89 of the Act.

The College is continuing to liaise with the Department on this matter and will notify members of further developments.