How to Become a HIV s100 Community Prescriber

  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is provided to most diagnosed HIV positive individuals within Australia and New Zealand at a subsidised cost.
  • ART is classed as a 'section 100 Highly Specialised Drug' under the National Health Act, meaning there are restrictions on prescribing these medicines.
  • ART can only be prescribed by tertiary consultants and general practitioners who are accredited and maintain their continuing professional development (CPD) in HIV.
  • The HIV Community Prescriber Program consists of accreditation as well as continuing professional development (CPD).
  • Community prescribers provide important care options for people living with HIV by allowing them to seek their HIV care in a general practice setting.
  • Expressions of interest and general enquiries can be directed to HIVPrescriber@ashm.org.au. Please also contact us if you need more information on how to become a prescriber in your state or territory. 

We welcome new prescribers. To take part in the HIV s100 Community Prescriber Program, GPs need to fulfil an initial accreditation process: 

  1. Complete an accredited HIV prescriber training course, including prerequisite online learning and post course online assessment, or apply for recognition of prior knowledge.  
  2. Complete a self-directed learning exercise of approximately 4 hours, in which participants choose their own activity, identify learning objectives and reflect on their learning, evidenced in a brief report. Options include advanced reading, clinical placement and online Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  3. Access appropriate support from senior clinicians working in an HIV/Sexual Health Clinic in a public hospital, or specialised GP with an HIV/Sexual Health expertise. ASHM can put you in contact with a specialist in your area.
  4. Complete an Application Form for HIV Prescribing, which ASHM will provide.
  5. Be committed to ongoing HIV-specific continuing professional development (CPD) ​ 

For more information on how to become a prescriber, please refer to contact us at HIVPrescriber@ashm.org.au.

 

Processes

ASHM administers the HIV s100 Community Prescriber Program for: 

  • ACT Health (see process) 
  • NSW Ministry of Health (see process​) 
  • Northern Territory Government Department of Health (see CDC SHBBVU) 
  • Department for Health and Ageing, Government of South Australia (see process) 
  • Government of Western Australia Department of Health (see process) 
  • Queensland Health (see process) 
  • Public Health Services Tasmania (see process) 

 

National Standards