The Australian Government has passed landmark legislation enabling endorsed registered nurses to prescribe selected Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines in partnership with an authorised health practitioner. The reform expands nurses' scope of practice, supports multidisciplinary care, and aims to improve timely access to medicines—particularly for rural, regional and underserved communities. PBS prescribing is expected to commence from 1 October 2026, following updates to administrative systems and implementation of the new designated registered nurse prescriber framework.
Read the Australian Government announcement for details on the new legislation and implementation timeline.
