HTA review and chair committee

The Government today announced the appointment of Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO as Chair of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Reference Committee.

Adjunct Professor Picone recently retired as CEO of the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care, a role which she held from 2012. Adjunct Professor Picone has been recognised for her leadership of major health reforms in New South Wales and nationally and for ensuring consumers have a central role in shaping health policy.

The Government is also appointing the following members to the Reference Committee:

• Ann Single and Dr Dawn Casey will be the two patient representatives
• Professor Andrew Wilson will serve in his role as the Chair of the PBAC
• John Young will serve as the member nominated by Medicines Australia
• Professor Andrew Roberts will serve as a clinical/scientific representative
• Adriana Platona, who is the First Assistant Secretary of the Technology Assessment and Access Division in the Department of Health and Aged Care, will be the Government nominee.

The Reference Committee will perform a critical role in overseeing the review of HTA polices and methods, including conducting consultations to support the review process.

To account for the delay in commencing the HTA Review, the deadline will be extended to 31 December 2023.

Quotes attributable to Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care:

Adjunct Professor Picone will deliver a HTA Review that will keep HTA in Australia at the forefront of public health and ensure Australians continue to enjoy the best possible access to health technologies, at a cost consumer and the public can afford.

I look forward to the work of this important review and will considering its findings.

Quotes attributable to Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer:

Medicines Australia welcomes the appointment of Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO as the Chair of the HTA Review Committee.

Adjunct Professor Picone is an independent, pragmatic thinker who has a consultative nature. She is a highly respected leader in public administration and understands the important role of patients. We look forward to working with her to deliver on much needed health reform that will speed up access to innovative medicines, vaccines and therapies.

Medicines Australia Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle:

Medicines Australia, in partnership with the Minister’s Office, reviewed a number of candidates. Finding the right level of independence and skill was no easy task and the Minister was very considered while we all worked together to find the right candidate.