Thursday, 2 July 2026
NSW THC driving law proposal, New Medicare bulk billing campaign, Lancet calls for primary care reforms
- 01
NSW Proposes New Driving Laws for THC Medicinal Cannabis Users
The Minns government in New South Wales has proposed new driving laws for patients using THC-containing medicinal cannabis products. The Bill, lodged in Parliament, aims to introduce a 24-hour licence suspension for patients who test positive for THC at roadside checks, with a threshold of 50ng/mL. If the level exceeds this limit, patients are advised to consult their doctor about adjusting their medication. The proposal includes a registration model for medicinal cannabis patients, focusing on driving safety rather than the mere presence of THC, and aims to establish a more regulated framework for these patients.
- 02
New Medicare campaign promotes bulk billing for GP visits
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has launched a new campaign to promote bulk billing under the slogan “Medicare pays the cost when you see a GP.” This initiative adds to the existing ‘Medicare’s got the bill’ campaign and includes various promotional materials for GPs, such as social media tiles and printable posters. The updated fact sheet clarifies that bulk billing means patients do not incur out-of-pocket costs when visiting a GP. However, the campaign notably lacks information on upcoming changes to the assignment of benefits for bulk billing, which has been addressed by software vendors and professional associations.
- 03
Lancet review calls for multilevel reforms in primary care access
A Lancet review of 57 studies across 22 countries emphasises that equitable access to primary care requires multilevel reforms rather than isolated solutions. The review found that fee reductions and financial incentives alone do not significantly improve equity, with modest benefits observed in some regions. Meso-level strategies, such as mobile clinics and patient navigation services, were identified as most effective in addressing barriers to access. The report also highlighted that Australia's primary care funding has declined from 8.0% in 2003 to 5.5% in 2023, raising concerns about the sustainability of the health system.
- 04
NSW Health invests $38.7m in AI scribe technology for clinicians
The NSW government will invest $38.7 million to implement AI scribe technology for up to 6000 clinicians in the public health system. This funding, part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, aims to enhance patient care and reduce the administrative burden of manual documentation. The technology will be deployed across various clinical departments, with priority use cases identified through expert assessments. Additionally, the budget includes funding for up to four proof-of-concept initiatives focusing on diagnostics, radiology, clinical decision-making, and patient flow.
- 05
Australia's Lung Cancer Screening Program Faces Systemic Challenges
A year after its launch, Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program has screened about 100,000 individuals. The focus has shifted from the efficacy of screening to the health system's ability to manage follow-up care and treatment. Significant gaps exist in staffing, particularly in regional areas, affecting timely diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the program lacks a structured approach to support smoking cessation during screening, potentially missing an opportunity for improved health outcomes.
- 06
Court dismisses PBMs' lawsuit against FTC over insulin pricing
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a countersuit from major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding allegations of inflated insulin costs. The dismissal follows settlements reached by Express Scripts, Caremark, and Optum Rx with antitrust regulators. The FTC's lawsuit, initiated in late 2024, claimed that these PBMs preferred more expensive insulin products due to higher rebates from pharmaceutical companies. The settlements aim to enhance transparency and reduce patient out-of-pocket costs for insulin by an estimated $7 billion over the next decade.
via Healthcare Dive
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.