Landmark legislation locks in nurse prescribing under PBS

Registered nurses with designated prescribing qualifications will be able to prescribe medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 October 2026 following the passage of landmark amendments to existing legislation.

The reform creates a new prescribing pathway for registered nurses, expanding prescribing beyond the current cohort of nurse practitioners, who complete a Masters degree to prescribe medicines. Under the new legislation, designated registered nurses will instead complete a short prescribing course.

The legislation marks the culmination of more than a decade of advocacy and policy development. It also aligns with the outcomes of the Scope-of-Practice Review, released in late 2024, alongside the three Strengthening Medicare Reviews.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler described the legislation as a significant step towards improving access to healthcare.

“Today is a great day for the nursing profession and equitable access to medicines,” said Federal Health Minister Mark Butler. “Expanding the scope of practice for suitably qualified nurses will make it much easier for people in many rural and remote communities to get the medicines they need. This reform creates greater opportunities for nurses to contribute to multidisciplinary team-based care improving access to care for all Australians”.

As with pharmacist prescribing, the list of medicines that nurses will be able to prescribe under the PBS will be considered by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) welcomed the legislation, describing it as a defining moment for the profession.

“This is a major milestone,” said Australian College of Nursing CEO, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz. “The introduction of RN prescribing is the most significant advance in nursing’s role in Australia in a generation.”

Registered nurses comprise 55% of the Australian health workforce and are the most geographically distributed health profession, positioning the reform to significantly improve access to medicines, particularly in underserved communities.

“This reform aligns with the objectives of the National Medicines Policy (NMP). It promotes equitable, affordable and timely access to high-quality medicines and related services,” said Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has called the move a “historic step forward” for nurses and patients.

“We believe the reform will be particularly impactful for people in rural and remote communities, aged care residents and those managing chronic conditions, who often face delays or barriers in accessing prescribers,” said ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler.

With the legislation now passed, the ACN is advocating for Medicare reforms, arguing that nurse prescribers should also be able to order the “pathology that safe, high-quality prescribing depends on, with patients and providers able to access the appropriate Medicare rebates.”

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