Sector Services

Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements

Special Authority

FAQs

What is Special Authority?
Who do I contact to order more Special Authority application forms?
What is the time frame in processing an application?
Do I have to complete an initial application or a renewal application?
What is the difference between a “SPEC” and “HOSP” Special Authority number for Special Foods Pharmaceuticals?
How do I change the Special Authority approval for a supplement supply of Special Foods to a complete diet?
What happens if the medicine on the application is not a Special Authority product?
Can a Prescriber have a product on a Practitioner Supply Order that has a restriction of “Special Authority for Subsidy”?
What happens if the patient does not quite meet the criteria, or the clinical indications are not clear?
What is a Templeton Special Authority approval number and what are the Templeton patients entitled to?
If the original pharmaceutical is dispensed prior to the Special Authority number expiring, are the repeat dispensings subsidised?
How do I send my applications to Sector Services?
How do I contact Sector Services?

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What is Special Authority?
Special Authority is an application process in which a prescriber requests government subsidy on a Community Pharmaceutical for a particular person.
Once approved the prescriber is provided a Special Authority number which must appear on the prescription. The authority number can provide access to subsidy, increased subsidy, or waive certain restrictions otherwise present on the Community Pharmaceutical.
Reference: PHARMAC Pharmaceutical Schedule

Who do I contact to order more Special Authority application forms?
The current Special Authority application forms can be downloaded from the PHARMAC website www.pharmac.govt.nz/special_authority_forms.asp or by contacting the PHARMAC Contact Centre on 0800 66 00 50.

What is the time frame in processing an application?
Sector Services aims to process all Special authority applications within ten working days.

Do I have to complete an initial application or a renewal application?
If the patient’s Special Authority number has expired for more than two years then an initial application form needs to be submitted.

What is the difference between a “SPEC” and “HOSP” Special Authority number for Special Foods Pharmaceuticals
A “SPEC” Special Authority number is for supplementary diet and the patient is limited to 500mls per day.
A “HOSP” Special Authority number is for complete diet and the quantity is not restricted.

How do I change the Special Authority approval for a supplement supply of Special Foods to a complete diet?
Please submit an initial application. To assist our processing, could you please note the change to a complete diet on the Special Authority application.

What happens if the medicine on the application is not a Special Authority product?
If the pharmaceutical is not a Special Authority product then the application will decline and the Applicant will receive a declined letter

Can a Prescriber have a product on a Practitioner Supply Order that has a restriction of “Special Authority for Subsidy”?
No. A “Special Authority” approval is granted for a named person.

What happens if the patient does not quite meet the criteria, or the clinical indications are not clear?
Sector Services will forward the Special Authority application to PHARMAC’s Medical Director for approval.
When a response is received, Sector Services will process the application accordingly.

What is a Templeton Special Authority approval number and what are the Templeton patients entitled to?
Special Authority numbers for Templeton patients are issued to patients who were residents of the Templeton Centre in Christchurch at the time of its closure. Templeton patients with a valid SA approval are entitled to receive prescribed medicines free of charge.

If the original pharmaceutical is dispensed prior to the Special Authority number expiring, are the repeat dispensings subsidised?
Yes, as long as the pharmaceutical has not been de-listed from the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

How do I send my applications to Sector Services?
Send all completed applications to:

Special Authority
Sector Services
Fax 0800 100 131 OR

Special Authority
Sector Services
179 St Hill Street
Private Bag 3015
Wanganui Mail Centre
Wanganui 4540

How do I contact Sector Services?
For further information, please call the Sector Services Contact Centre on:
0800 243 666 or 06 349 1986 or Facsimile: 06 349 1983
Monday – Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm,
Except Wednesday when the Contact Centre’s hours are 9:30am – 5:00pm

Forms
Special Authority Forms
www.pharmac.govt.nz/special_authority_forms.asp

Publications
Contact Centre News and Views
A quarterly newsletter sent out to providers, DHB's and Health professionals by the Contact Centre and includes articles, FAQ's, reminders and updates.

Links
Care plus
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/phcs-funding-careplus
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/phcs-projects-careplusservice

Community Service Cards
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/phcs-funding-csc

High Use Health Cards
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/phcs-funding-huhc

High Use Health Cards
Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements, High Use Health Cards

National Health Index
Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements, National Health Index

New Zealand Legislation
www.legislation.govt.nz

Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements, Nicotine Replacement Therapy

PHARMAC
www.pharmac.govt.nz

Pharmaceutical Co-Payments
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/phcs-funding-pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical Subsidy Cards
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/phcs-funding-psc

Pharmacy
Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements, Pharmacy

Special Authority
Claims, Provider Payments & Entitlements, Special Authority – Electronic (ESA)

SuperGold Cards
www.supergold.govt.nz

Please note: you should not rely solely on the answers provided here; the contracts applicable to each provider and all relevant legislation must be consulted to determine the full rights & liabilities applicable to any service provider or funder.

Page last updated: November 2008