The Australian Government has today passed historic legislation to allow authorised nurses to prescribe Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines.
The Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 will amend the National Health Act 1953 to allow authorised nurses to prescribe medicines subsidised by the PBS, in partnership with an authorised health practitioner.
There are currently over 400,000 RNs, who comprise approximately half of the Australian
This reform will be available to Registered Nurses (RNs) who have undertaken studies as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
The first RNs have already been endorsed by the NMBA, with others due to graduate in July. Changes to PBS administrative systems required to support it will be ready from 1 October 2026.
The reform supports recommendations by the Scope of Practice Review, a major element of the Australian Government’s comprehensive reforms to strengthen Medicare and the health system.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has begun considering which medicines should be available for prescribing by designated RNs.
The new legislation follows the December 2024 approval by all state and federal health ministers of a new national registration standard for “designated registered nurse prescribers”. The NMBA’s registration standard commenced on 30 September 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Today is a great day for the nursing profession and equitable access to medicines.
“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 the most trusted health professional group, designated Registered Nurse prescribers will improve choice and access for vulnerable people.
“I want to thank the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers for the extensive research and consultation they have undertaken to support this change."
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