PTAC appointment process fits open model

Media Release

PTAC appointment process fits open and transparent model

A new way of appointing members to the Pharmacological and Therapeutic Advisory Committee (PTAC) is about to be put into practice for the first time, with calls for nominations to fill two vacancies.

Following a Ministry of Health review, anyone or any organisation – not just specialist medical groups - can now nominate candidates for the independent medical advisory body which gives advice to PHARMAC.

General Manager Wayne McNee says the decision was a positive move, and fits with PHARMAC’s philosophy of being open and transparent with its processes, which includes PTAC’s appointments.

“Clearly PTAC has a big impact on PHARMAC’s decision-making, and it is important those groups or individuals affected by these decisions see that those on the committee have been appointed fairly and act independently. One way to ensure this happens is to widen the advertising of the positions.”

Wayne McNee says the new process will be put into practice almost immediately with two vacancies currently available on PTAC. The vacancies were left open following the retirement from PTAC by Peter Black,who served for two-and-a-half years, and Alan Moffitt who was on PTAC for two years.

“Filling these vacancies was put on hold while the review was being carried out, but now the review is complete and the recommendations have been accepted by the board, we can start the process of appointing these new members.

“The job description has been drawn up, so now it’s just a matter of advertising and waiting for the response.”

Previously nominations were only sought from relevant medical bodies. For example, General Practitioner nominations would be sought from the Royal College of General Practitioners, while nominations for General Physicians would come from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Wayne McNee says PTAC members are dealing with important and often complex issues, and their recommendations are scrutinised closely by fellow health professionals.

“It is important that those who are appointed to the committee are respected and credible members of the medical profession, and it is vital any new members also carry this standing and compliment the rest of the committee. By widening the appointment process, it is fair to say that there is even more chance of finding someone with these valuable skills.”

He says PHARMAC also plans to publish a PTAC Administration Manual, which will be a step-by-step outline of how the committee works, how meetings are organised and managed, and the process followed in finalising minutes.

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For more information contact PHARMAC General Manager Wayne McNee. Phone: (025) 429-212.

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