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National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC)

Until 30 June 2010, scheduling decisions were made by the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC), an independent expert committee established under now repealed provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act).

New provisions of the Act authorise the Secretary to the Department of Health and Ageing, or a delegate, to make scheduling decisions.

The NDPSC was established under then section 52B of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and consisted of State and Territory government members and other persons appointed by the Minister such as technical experts and representatives of various sectional interests.

In 2010, the NDPSC was replaced by the Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling (ACMS) and the Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling (ACCS).

NDPSC records of reasons
Records of reasons from meetings of the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC)
Important notice: Matters for consideration at the June 2010 NDPSC meeting
Important notice regarding matters for consideration at the June 2010 meeting of the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee.
Scheduling of zolpidem (Stilnox)
The NDPSC considered the scheduling of zolpidem (contained in the medicine Stilnox) at its February 2008 meeting, held this week, because of concerns relating to reports of potential abuse of this substance.
Scheduling of orlistat
The NDPSC reconsidered the scheduling and advertising status of orlistat (contained in the medicine Xenical) at its February 2007 meeting.
Scheduling of potassium chloride
At its meeting on 10-12 October 2006, the NDPSC further considered the scheduling of potassium chloride in light of recommendations from a report from the NSW Deputy Coroner.
Tamiflu stays on prescription
At its meeting on 11-13 October 2005, the NDPSC considered a proposal to make the prescription medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) available from pharmacists over the counter for the treatment and prevention of influenza type A and B.

Transition arrangements

Provisions relating to the transition from the NDPSC to the new scheduling arrangements are set out inSchedule 1, Item 13 of the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2009 Measures No. 2) Act 2009. In summary, these provisions include:

Any valid amendment to the Poisons Standard made by the NDPSC prior to 1 July 2010 remains valid after this time.
The Secretary, or the Secretary's delegate, must consider any decisions made by the NDPSC between 1 January and 30 June this year, which have not yet been finalised and incorporated into an amendment to the current Poisons Standard.
Any application for scheduling of a new substance lodged on or after 1 January 2010, where the application has not been actioned by the NDPSC, will be treated as if it is an application under the revised scheduling arrangements and the decision will be made by the Secretary or the Secretary's delegate. If it is a rescheduling application, it will be referred to the relevant scheduling advisory committee by the Secretary prior to the decision being made by the Secretary, or the Secretary's delegate.
Applicants will be advised of any Advisory Committee meeting dates which will consider their application, and the decision maker for their application.

Web page last updated: Monday, 18 April 2011

URL: http://www.tga.gov.au/archive/committees-ndpsc.htm