What is the Highly Specialised Drugs (HSDs) Program?

The Highly Specialised Drugs Program was established through an initiative of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) in 1991. The agreement between the Commonwealth and the States/Territories was signed in September 1991. The agreement is revised on an ongoing basis, since then the program has grown rapidly with the introduction of many new drugs. HSDs are also known as Section 100 drugs as the funding arrangements are authorised through Section 100 of the Commonwealth’s National Health Act 1953.

What are HSDs?

Highly Specialised Drugs are medicines used in the treatment of chronic medical conditions which, because of their clinical use or other special features, are restricted to supply to outpatients through hospitals having access to appropriate specialist facilities. Benefits are available for listed clinical indications only. There is no facility for individual patient approval for indications outside the criteria.

Who can prescribe HSDs?

Highly Specialised Drugs are medicines used in the treatment of chronic medical conditions which, because of their clinical use or other special features, are restricted to supply to outpatients through hospitals having access to appropriate specialist facilities. Benefits are available for listed clinical indications only. There is no facility for individual patient approval for indications outside the criteria.

How do I access HSDs?

To gain access to a medicine funded through the HSD program, a patient must attend a participating unit as a non-admitted patient or day patient (outpatient), be under appropriate specialist medical care, meet the specific medical criteria and be an Australian citizen (who is resident in Australia), permanent resident or other eligible person. Patients are required to pay a co-payment for each month’s supply.