The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) recently announced that as of 6 December 2024, health ministers have approved a new registration standard which allows qualified registered nurses (RNs) to prescribe schedule 2,3,4 and 8 medicines in partnership with an authorised health practitioner under a prescribing agreement.
This represents a significant step forward for the nursing profession in Australia as this new endorsement opens up opportunities for registered nurses to expand their scope of practice and contribute to improved health outcomes across Australia.
What does this mean for your nursing practice?
With over 390,000 registered nurses in Australia, this endorsement will enable RNs to provide more timely and direct care such as adjusting medicine doses for end-of-life care and prescribing supportive medicines without unnecessary delays.
This change will also be particularly impactful for rural and remote communities where access to healthcare is limited. By expanding prescribing capabilities, RNs can help streamline patient care, reduce wait times and ensure timely access to healthcare.
Additionally, it allows other healthcare professionals to focus on more complex cases, improving overall efficiency within the healthcare system.
What are the requirements?
All designated RN prescribers must meet the new Registered Nurse Prescribing Accreditation Standards that have been established by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
Requirements to apply for endorsement include:
- Completing a recognised postgraduate qualification
- Demonstrating adequate clinical experience
- Completing a six-month clinical mentorship under the guidance of an authorised health practitioner after endorsement
As part of the new model, there will also be a prescribing agreement which formalises the partnership between the designated RN prescriber and the authorised health practitioner. This document will outline the RN prescriber’s scope of practice, roles and responsibilities and any conditions specific to the prescribing activities.
When will this take effect?
March 2025: An advance copy of the new standard will be published on the NMBA website.
Mid-2025: The endorsement, registration standard and guidelines will officially take effect.
Advance your nursing career
If you're a registered nurse interested in becoming an authorised prescriber, now is the perfect time to pursue a postgraduate qualification. A postgraduate nursing course will not only deepen your expertise but may also prepare you for future changes in healthcare and potentially expand your career prospects and salary potential.
Universities offer online postgraduate nursing courses at various levels and lengths, including graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master’s courses. If you have any queries or would like to learn more, feel free to book a course discovery call with our Education Consultant, Catriona.
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