Objective
The Pharmaceutical Evaluation Board (the “HEK”, Heilmittel-Evaluierungs-Kommission), an advisory board established for the Austrian Federation of Social Insurances (the “Dachverband”), formulates recommendations for decisions concerning the Code of Reimbursement (the “EKO”, Erstattungskodex). These recommendations rest on the principles of science, transparency and health economics.
Structure
The HEK consists of 22 members: 20 voting members and two members who only have advisory functions. The board’s decisions are taken by simple majority voting. Prior to their engagement in the board, the members are required to file a statement of potential conflict of interest to the Dachverband.Three voting members are independent scientists who are appointed by the Austrian Pharmacological Association (APHAR, Österreichische Pharmakologische Gesellschaft) and take turns as chairperson of the HEK. Eight voting members represent the social insurance institutions and are appointed by the Dachverband. The other nine voting members and their respective deputies are appointed by the following organisations:
- Federal Authority for Safety in Healthcare (BASG, Bundesamt für Sicherheit im Gesundheitswesen) – 2 members
- Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO, Wirtschaftskammer Österreich) – 2 members
- Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour (AK, Bundesarbeiterkammer) – 2 members
- Austrian Medical Chamber (ÖÄK, Österreichische Ärztekammer) – 2 members
- Austrian Pharmacists‘ Chamber (ÖAK, Österreichische Apothekerkammer) – 1 member
Furthermore, the liaison office of the federal states of Austria and the Austrian Patients Advocacy Association each nominate one member who take part in board meetings in an advisory function.