PRESCRIBING rights have been extended to registered nurses (RNs), with those who are suitably qualified being able to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, supply and/or use scheduled medicines in partnership with authorised health practitioners.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has published the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines - designated registered nurse prescriber and supporting guidelines for RNs applying for and holding the endorsement.
"This standard is one of the biggest changes to nursing regulation in decades," said NMBA Chair, Adjunct Prof Veronica Casey.
"More nurses prescribing will give Australians greater access to safe, affordable healthcare and medicines," she continued.
"Designated RN prescribing puts patients first without compromising public safety."
At present, there are no approved programs of study for prescriber RNs, and it is likely the first cohort of graduates will not emerge until at least mid-next year.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the news, stating that "every health professional should be empowered to practice to the full extent of their training, skills and experience".
Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey said the move would dramatically increase access to timely healthcare.
"Ensuring patients can access the healthcare they need, when they need it, is crucial in creating healthier communities," Professor Twomey said.
"Nurses are highly skilled, and this recognises the importance of all healthcare professionals working to the full extent of their training and experience."
Professor Twomey noted that early intervention by frontline healthcare professionals reduces later complications and takes pressure off other parts of the health system - yet 28% of Australians reported waiting too long to see a GP.
"There is more work to do," Professor Twomey said.
"We need to bring consistency across states and territories and increase public awareness that other primary healthcare providers can treat, diagnose and prescribe where appropriate.
"In the long term, these changes will free up GPs and hospitals to focus on the most acute and complex cases," he concluded.
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has also welcomed the announcement, stating it supports the safe expansion of scope for all health professionals.
"Safely advancing workforce capability increases accessibility for consumers and reduces demand on higher-level and emergency healthcare services by providing timely care in local settings," said APC CEO Bronwyn Clark.
With work on the proposed national endorsement for scheduled medicines for pharmacists currently underway (PD 18 Sep), Clark highlighted the role of accreditation bodies like the APC in ensuring patient safety.
"As the healthcare system evolves, it is essential that all prescribers - regardless of profession - are supported by robust governance, national consistency, and a shared commitment to safe, person-centred care," Clark said. KB
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