A Senate legislative committee has backed a Bill that would allow designated RN prescribers to prescribe certain medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee has recommended the passage of the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025.
The Bill formally recognises authorised nurse prescribers as a new category of PBS prescriber. If passed by the Senate, this would enable patients of endorsed nurse prescribers to access PBS rebates for nurse-prescribed medicines.
The Bill establishes a framework for approving authorised nurse prescribers, including safeguards of:
- nurse prescribers to be in a prescribing agreement with existing prescribers, and to complete a six-month clinical mentorship with an authorised health practitioner
- specific training and qualification requirements
- expansion of the Professional Services Review to ensure that nurses are subject to similar oversight other PBS prescribers
In December 2024, Commonwealth, state and territory health ministers approved a new registration standard under the National Health Act 1953. The Registration standard Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines – Designated Registered Nurse Prescriber came into effect on 30 September 2025.
The first cohort of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to complete education, receive endorsement, and prescribe medicines from July 2026.
Scope of practice
Expanding RNs’ scope of practice in a safe and regulated way has the potential to improve access to medicines, particularly for Australians living outside metropolitan centres, noted the Senate Committee’s report.
“Nurses have historically been underutilised and underappreciated within the health system, and this Bill goes some way towards recognising the role that they can play in managing quality patient care.
“With many people struggling to afford healthcare and dealing with waiting lists that are too long, this change will allow people faster and more affordable access to quality healthcare.
“Enabling prescribing under the PBS by designated registered nurse prescribers ensures the medicines they prescribe are affordable for patients.”
The Bill proposes changes which are consistent with the recommendations in the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce: Scope of Practice Review.
The introduction of nurse prescribing follows extensive consultation and regulatory development through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and the Australian Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers.
