As of 1 September 2026, Australian clinicians no longer need specialist accreditation to prescribe hepatitis B antiviral treatments for initiation and maintenance therapy. In addition, authorised nurse prescribers can now prescribe hepatitis C medicine under the s100 program.
This important reform follows sustained advocacy from ASHM, Hepatitis Australia and sector partners to improve timely and equitable access to treatment for Australians living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
First-line medications for the treatment of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) — entecavir and tenofovir — are scheduled on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as Highly Specialised Drugs (s100). While these medications will remain scheduled as s100, from 1 September all medical and authorised nurse practitioners can prescribe these PBS-subsidised antiviral medicines for eligible patients living with HBV, removing previous accreditation requirements.
This change is a major step towards eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat in Australia. By increasing the number of clinicians able to prescribe treatment, more people can access the care they need, when they need it. Existing hepatitis b treatment prescribers can continue to prescribe hepatitis B treatment as normal, and still have access to the same ASHM education, resources and support.
For clinicians new to prescribing HBV medications after this change, ASHM will continue to provide the tools and education you need when treating people living with HBV. The Hepatitis B Advanced Management and Prescribing course (formerly the s100 HBV Prescriber accreditation course) is still running regularly, ensuring clinicians have the necessary skills and confidence to manage the care of people living with hepatitis B, including prescribing.
Clinicians providing hepatitis B treatment can maintain their visibility in their communities through the ASHM Hepatitis B Prescriber Map. This resource helps connect patients and healthcare professionals with experienced hepatitis B prescribers and plays an important role in facilitating timely referrals and access to care. Clinicians providing hepatitis B care who are not currently on the map and would like to be, can be added by updating their mapping details through the myASHM portal.
ASHM looks forward to continuing to offer clinical education, support and expert guidance to support hepatitis B prescribing in primary care. If you have any questions about the changes to HBV prescribing, contact the ASHM team at [email protected].
Changes also implemented on 1 September now allow any authorised NP to prescribe PBS-subsidised hepatitis C medicines under the s100 HSD Program (as well as under the section 85 (s85) PBS General Schedule), providing that the patient/prescriber eligibility criteria set out in the General Statement for Drugs for the Treatment of Hepatitis C (General Statement) are met. Subject to the same General Statement criteria, medical practitioners continue to be authorised prescribers for these medicines under both the PBS General Schedule and the s100 HSD Program irrespective of accreditation status.
For more information on the changes, visit the PBS website.
Patients, their families and healthcare providers can get confidential, free support for hepatitis B by contacting HepLink on 1800 437 222 or www.heplink.au
Please note this change only impacts hepatitis B prescribing. HIV medications still require completion of ASHM’s HIV s100 Prescriber Course and CPD requirements to prescribe.
