Reconstitution of the Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee.

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A decision made (09/11/2007) regarding: Reconstitution of the Parmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee.

Subject:	Reconstitution of the Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee
Decision Reference:	MD-S-2007-0075		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):	-
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	-		Report File ref:	2/2/3
Written report – Title	Reconstitution of the Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee
Written report – Author (name and job title)	R. Goulding, Policy Principal
Decision(s): The Minister approved the reconstitution of the Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee (PBAC) until 12th April 2008.
Reason(s) for decision: The Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee (PBAC) is a Statutory Body within the Health Insurance legislation whose membership is reconstituted each year. Under the Health Insurance (Jersey) Law, 1967, the Social Security Minister is responsible for the inclusion or deletion of products from the Approved List of Pharmaceutical preparations. However, prior to taking decisions, the Minister must consult with the PBAC. The Minister is asked to reconstitute the PBAC until 12th April 2008. The Prescribed List details all medicines, drugs, appliances or materials that are subsidised under the Health Insurance Scheme, for use by general practitioners for the treatment of patients. These are constantly changing with regards to new formulations, availability and the production of generic alternatives. Under the Health Insurance (Jersey) Law, 1967, the PBAC was formed to review new medicines and to advise the Minister as to what products/ medicines should be added or removed from the Prescribed List (Jersey). The PBAC has proved to be a vital element in the cost-effective prescribing in the island due to their professional evidence-based approach; taking into account all angles for example the benefit and safety of the drug against existing medicines and patient take up of the drug.
Action required: The Minister is asked to reconstitute the PBAC until 12 April 2008 as per the attached Schedule.
Signature: Senator P Routier Minister		Date of Decision

Reconstitution of the Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee.

Reconstitution of the Pharmaceutical benefit Advisory Committee

1. SUMMARY

The Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee (PBAC) is a Statutory Body within the Health Insurance legislation whose membership is reconstituted each year. Under the Health Insurance (Jersey) Law, 1967, the Social Security Minister is responsible for the inclusion or deletion of products from the Approved List of Pharmaceutical preparations. However, prior to taking decisions, the Minister must consult with the PBAC.

BACKGROUND

The Prescribed List details all medicines, drugs, appliances or materials that are subsidised under the Health Insurance Scheme, for use by general practitioners for the treatment of patients.

Before recommending the addition (or deletion) of a drug, the PBAC considers whether the product is one appropriate for use in mainstream general practice, using a number of evaluation criteria.

efficacy (the effectiveness of the drug)

the safety profile of the product
the range of similar drugs already available
relevant prescribing algorithms/protocols (e.g. NICE guidelines)
prescribing data available from the hospital
other routes of supply

Cost is also considered, but secondary to the proven value of the drug and is viewed in light of the overall benefit of therapy. The best therapy may be more expensive through primary care, but reduce overall costs by cutting down on hospital treatment or medical complications at a later stage. However, the PBAC is always mindful as to whether the ongoing cost is sustainable by the Health Fund.

The constitution of the PBAC is such as to ensure that a wide aspect of professional views is considered under a lay chair. The Chair, the representative of the Social Security Department and the Pharmaceutical Adviser are appointed by the Minister. The Chief Pharmacist and Medical Officer of Health are statutory positions. The general practitioners and community pharmacists elect three and two representatives respectively.

RECOMMENDATION

The Minister is asked to reconstitute the PBAC for one year until 12th April 2008 as follows:

Mr C Blackmore Chairman

Dr R Geller Medical Officer of Health

Mr P McCabe Chief Pharmacist, Health and Social Services

Approved Medical practitioners

Dr C Budd

Dr D Balbes

Dr A Vincent

Approved Pharmacists

Mr G Jones

Mr B Eden

Representatives of the Employment & Social Security Committee

Mr R Bell Controller

Mr P McManus Pharmaceutical Adviser

and to appoint Miss R Goulding, Policy Principal, as Secretary.

File No. 2/2/3

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