This feature is currently in beta - access is currently not available to all BP users. If you are interesting in trying this feature, please let us know!
PBS Authority Scripts lets you approve PBS authority prescriptions from inside the Lyrebird sidebar - no portal tab, no hold music, no re-typing patient details. Sign in to PRODA once for the day and get approvals back in seconds.
What does this do?
When a medication requires a PBS authority, the usual process means stopping the consult and either logging in to the PRODA portal - with two-step verification, manual data entry, and a session that times out in five minutes - or calling the authority line and waiting on hold.
PBS Authority Scripts brings that process into Lyrebird. Patient and prescriber details sync from Bp, restriction questions are shown in full, and the approval number comes back in the panel ready to copy. The consult doesn't stop.
Before you start: You need a working PRODA account through Services Australia. Lyrebird uses your existing PRODA credentials - it doesn't create one for you. You also need Lyrebird connected to Bp. If you haven't done that yet, see How Can I Enable Lyrebird on Bp & Link My Account?
Step-by-Step Guide
Part 1: Connect to PRODA
You won't need to log in again for every script. Once connected, your session stays open across all authority scripts for the rest of the clinic.
Open the Authority Scripts tab
Start a consult in Lyrebird from within Bp
In the Lyrebird sidebar, click the Authority Scripts tab
Log in to PRODA
Click Login to PRODA (OAuth)
Enter your PRODA username and password
Enter your one-time MFA code from your authenticator app
Once authenticated, you'll see PRODA connected in the panel — you're ready to go
Your PRODA session lasts can last up to several weeks before requiring re-authentication.
Part 2: Sync the script and get the approval
Write the script in Bp first
In Bp, add the medication that needs a PBS authority to the patient's script as you normally would
Note the authority number field - it will be empty at this point
Sync the script into Lyrebird
Return to the Lyrebird sidebar and click Synchronise with Bp
The medication you just added will appear in the panel with patient and prescriber details already filled in from Bp - no re-typing required
Select the medication from the list to continue
Answer the restriction questions
Lyrebird shows the PBS restriction questions for that medication, with the full indication text displayed
Select the appropriate indication and answer the questions
Click Submit
Receive the approval number
The approval comes back in the panel within seconds
Click Copy approval number
If the request is declined, the reason is shown in the panel so you can act on it without going to the portal
Paste the number into Bp and print
Go back to Bp and open the authority details on the script
Paste the approval number into the Authority No. field
Print the script as normal
Tips for Best Results
Always write the script in Bp first, then sync into Lyrebird using Synchronise with Bp. This is what pulls the medication details across without any manual entry
If you add a new medication to the script mid-consult, click Synchronise with Bp again to pull the updated list through
If your PRODA session has expired (shown as Session expired in the panel), click Login to PRODA (OAuth) and re-authenticate. This only happens infrequently
If a request is declined, the reason appears in the panel. You can adjust your answers and resubmit without leaving Lyrebird — if asked to override, you can do so and resubmit directly
PBS Authority Scripts works for any medication on the PBS authority system. The restriction questions shown are specific to the medication you have selected
We're here to help if you have any questions. Reach out to our support team for a same-day response at [email protected] or click the blue chat widget on the right.