The RACGP WA is concerned that allowing registered nurses to prescribe medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) may affect patient outcomes.
A Senate Committee has recommended the passage of the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025, which would allow designated registered nurses to prescribe medicines as of July.
Nursing groups have campaigned to expand their scope of practice for some time and this sentiment was supported in some of the recommendations put forward in the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce report delivered in October 2024.
The RACGP WA is concerned that allowing registered nurses to prescribe medicines under the PBS may affect patient outcomes, fragment care, put patients of risk of misdiagnosis and potentially delay necessary treatment.
A Senate Committee has recommended the passage of the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025, which would allow designated registered nurses to prescribe medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as of July.
Nursing groups have campaigned to expand their scope of practice for some time and this sentiment was supported in some of the recommendations put forward in the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce report delivered in October 2024.
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If passed by the Senate, the Bill would enable endorsed nurse prescribers to access PBS subsidies, meaning patients could access rebates for nurse-prescribed medicines.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman told Medical Forum while the College would continue to engage with the government to ensure any legislation that may be adopted be implemented safely, she said a GP-led care model was preferred.
“Prescribing is a complex clinical task,” she said.
“For the safety of patients, it should occur within a coordinated, GP‑led care model that prevents fragmentation and ensures appropriate oversight of high‑risk medicines.
“This includes strong clinical governance, clear prescribing agreements, shared care records, and ongoing GP collaboration to ensure safe, continuous care for patients,:
Dr Raman said the College would prioritise strong clinical governance and continuity of care for patients as it engaged with the government about the legislation.
“GPs and nurses deliver the best results when they work together within clear roles, that’s how we protect continuity of care,” she said.
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has welcomed the Senate Committee’s recommendation to pass the bill.
“Designated registered nurse prescribing will strengthen the health system by easing workforce pressures and building the long-term capacity and sustainability our communities urgently need,” ACN chief executive officer, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz said.
“Nurses operate across most healthcare settings, and this means their patients will be able to access prescriptions in a timely and equitable way.”
The ACN has said the reform would to deliver significant benefits for people in rural, regional and remote communities, First Nations populations, palliative care patients, and those seeking sexual and reproductive health services – groups that have long faced barriers to timely, affordable care.
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