Provider resources
BC PharmaCare Special Authority
Antiviral coverage in BC requires a completed Special Authority request. Once approved, coverage duration is indefinite.
Standard treatment-naïve criteria (Section 3)
Adult ≥ 18 years with confirmed chronic hepatitis B (HBsAg positive ≥ 6 months), and either:
- Fibrosis stage ≥ F2 — FibroScan preferred, or liver biopsy / APRI; attach supporting evidence, or
- HBV DNA > 2,000 IU/mL and ALT > 1× ULN.
Covered first-line agents: tenofovir (Viread / Vemlidy type), entecavir, and lamivudine. Separate criteria (Section 4) apply for lamivudine resistance, or prior adefovir experience with persistent viremia.
Open the Special Authority form (HLTH 5372) ↗
Fax completed requests to 1-800-609-4884 (toll-free). For the most current criteria and forms, see the gov.bc.ca PharmaCare Special Authority page.
The decision tool flags when a patient appears to meet these coverage criteria based on the values you enter.