Consultation Hub

We sought your feedback via the Consultation Hub followed by a stakeholder workshop about the proposed new format for Prescribed List billing codes.

Our initial proposal was a 5-digit ANNNN format.

You raised concerns that the ANNNN format did not allow for sponsor-specific prefixes.

You raised concerns about system changes and implementation timeframes.

You suggested alternative formats:

• a 6-digit format
• using the same format as Part B billing codes (AAANN)
• remapping billing codes
• reusing previously deleted billing codes
• using AANAN format

Other parameters or matters we all identified:

• preference to retain a sponsor-specific prefix
• the format must clearly distinguish between PL and MBS and ARTG codes
• the format must clearly distinguish between medical devices (Part A, C and D) and human tissue products (Part B)
• remapping would require substantial resources
• reusing billing codes would risk losing or mixing historical data between devices and/or sponsors

We reviewed all suggestions, feedback and parameters and decided on the following format:

AXNNN, with AX remaining as a sponsor-specific prefix.

This format addresses all risks and parameters.

There are over 80 previously deleted billing codes that have used this AXNNN format. We will ensure that these billing codes are not reused or reallocated by the Health Products Portal (our online application system for the PL) in the future.

***YOU CAN FIND A TEST XML FILE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IN THE 'RELATED' SECTION BELOW***

***PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO FORMAT CHANGES TO PART B BILLING CODES***

The draft National Nursing Workforce Strategy (strategy) was released for public consultation between 11 September to 20 October of 2024. Public consultation provided stakeholders and interested members of the public an opportunity to share their views and feedback on the draft strategy before its finalisation.   

Feedback was sought on the vision, outcomes, and priority actions. Stakeholders were asked if they could see how the strategy’s actions can be applied or implemented to their sector or area of work. Stakeholders were also asked if they could see the link between the actions and the strategy’s vision to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians. 

A total of 1,210 stakeholders were engaged throughout the consultation period. This included 487 stakeholders engaged in workshops, meetings and focus groups, 661 engaged with the online survey and 62 provided a written submission.

The high response rate from stakeholders providing feedback on the draft strategy was welcomed. The mix of responses from consumers, nurses, other health professionals and organisations provided a comprehensive picture of how the vision, outcomes, and actions of the strategy were received.  

The feedback heard through this round of consultation has been summarised into a report.

In November 2024, the strategy project team undertook analysis of the feedback received during consultation.  

The qualitative data collected from the survey and written submissions was simultaneously analysed with the feedback heard from the stakeholders that engaged in other consultation activities. The data was synthesised into an analysis framework. This involved coding the qualitative responses for feedback on key themes and the creation of analysis notes to further refine the draft strategy. 

Suggestions proposed during this round of consultation will be considered by the National Nursing Workforce Strategy Steering Committee and Strategy Advisory Group and utilised to refine a final draft of the strategy. 

We thank all those who took part in this consultation. Stakeholders’ willingness to share ideas and provide constructive feedback demonstrates the genuine care for the future of nursing in Australia. 

As part of a broader review, we sought feedback on proposed changes to the Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) clinical eligibility, maximum quantities, Group 9 products and product pricing.

We received 438 submissions from ostomates and carers of ostomates, stomal therapy nurses and other key SAS stakeholders including product sponsors and system administrators.

We reviewed the submissions and prepared a summary report of key themes and feedback. This feedback is being used to refine proposed changes to the SAS and the SAS Schedule.

The Stoma Product Assessment Panel has considered feedback from the consultation. Together with the work already completed in the Review of the SAS Schedule, this feedback will inform final recommendations for approval by Government.

We appreciate the interest in the consultation and the views and expertise shared through the consultation, and thank all stakeholders who participated.