23.1 Basic principles

The underlying principles for the approval of pharmaceutical treatment for SRCA clients are that the medications:

• be necessary to improve any conditions for which the client has accepted liability.
• do no harm.
• be of a reasonable cost (considering the cost of treatment against the expected gains).
• be clinically effective (considering the available evidence).
• be accepted clinical practice (considering the current professional opinion).

Checklist of basic principles

• The treating doctor or specialist should initiate requests for all medication and prescribe or ourlint medications in a treatment plan.
• Clients seeking pharmaceutical approval should be directed to ask their treating practitioner to contact DVA or VAPAC.
• The medications prescribed should be directly related to the client's existing liabilities.
• Is it apparent how the medication will benefit the client? What are the expected outcomes of treatment?
• VAPAC should be contacted to advise when considering requests for non PBS items?
• Are the cost, quantity and dose reasonable? VAPAC can advise on this.
• Has the client received similar medications recently and if so, do the current requests reflect safe dispensing practices, and is it apparent why repeat medications are necessary?
• Has a similar request for medication been declined in the past? If so, why does it need to be prescribed again? VAPAC can advise on this.
• Do delegates have enough information from all relevant parties to make an informed decision?