New prostheses committee to streamline access to medical devices

The existing prostheses application process will be updated with the new Medical Devices and Human Tissue Advisory Committee (MDHTAC).

The Australian Government will modernise the existing committee process for prostheses applications through the new Medical Devices and Human Tissue Advisory Committee (MDHTAC).

Like the Prostheses List Advisory Committee it replaces, the new committee will provide recommendations and advice about the comparative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of medical devices and human tissue products on the prostheses list, and the benefits payable by private health insurers.

It will streamline pathways for innovative applications to ensure all Australians have access to medical intervention while supporting the sustainable management of health technology when funded in the private health system.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said, “The Government is working to better align private system prices for surgical devices with those paid within the public health system.

“Our priority is to make sure all Australians can access affordable medical devices and the taxpayer gets value for money—in the public and private health systems,” he said.

The MDHTAC will also include a larger number of clinical experts to strengthen the advice it provides to the Government.

The Government welcomes the appointment of Emeritus Professor Terry Campbell AM as Chair of the new committee. Emeritus Professor Campbell is currently the Chair of the Prostheses List Advisory Committee.

Emeritus Professor Campbell’s appointment will provide continuity to the sector and support prostheses list reforms. The new committee will begin on 1 July 2023 and meet at least three times a year.

The new Committee will include members with expertise in highly technical/specialised surgery and interventional work, health technology, health economic and/or consumer representation and will be supported by six Expert Clinical Advisory Groups.

Butler added, “The Government looks forward to working closely with Professor Campbell and the Medical Devices and Human Tissue Advisory Committee to modernise and streamline how health technologies are used and funded.”

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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