The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has welcomed the ACT Government's introduction of pioneering legislation that will enable nurse practitioners to work to their full scope of practice, and is calling on other Australian jurisdictions to follow the Territory's lead.
The Nurse Practitioners Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will give endorsed nurse practitioners the legal authority to issue cause of death certificates and witness non-written health directions – making the ACT the first jurisdiction in Australia to enable these crucial responsibilities.
"This is exactly the kind of bold, evidence-based reform that will improve patient care and healthcare productivity across the board," ACN Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN said.
"The ACT is setting a national benchmark by recognising that nurse practitioners have the advanced training and expertise to undertake these vital roles, particularly in hospice, palliative care, and residential aged care settings."
The reforms will enable nurse practitioners who have cared for a patient to issue cause of death certificates within 48 hours of death, supporting families during difficult times and removing unnecessary delays in finalising legal affairs.
Adjunct Professor Zeitz said the ACT's initiative aligns perfectly with the recent commitment by Federal, State and Territory Treasurers to support health practitioners working at their full scope of practice under the updated National Competition Policy Federation Funding Agreement Schedule.
"The Treasurers have recognised that full scope of practice isn't just good for patient care – it's economically essential for healthcare productivity," Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
"The ACT is demonstrating exactly how this commitment translates into practical reform. Enabling nurse practitioners to work without unnecessary barriers, means improved access to timely, high-quality care, reduced waiting times, and better use of our health workforce."
ACN is calling on all Australian states and territories to follow the ACT's example and remove legislative barriers that prevent nurse practitioners from working to their full scope.
"Every jurisdiction should be asking themselves: what barriers exist in our legislation that are preventing nurse practitioners from delivering the care they're qualified to provide?" Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
"This reform also complements recent changes enabling nurse practitioners to participate in voluntary assisted dying processes and prescribe medical terminations of pregnancy. Together with the regulatory changes allowing registered nurses to prescribe medications in partnership, we're seeing the nursing profession's capabilities being properly recognised and utilised."
ACN emphasised that full scope of practice reforms must be accompanied by systemic support, including the release of the National Nursing Workforce Strategy, comprehensive communications to build awareness, education for employers and health practitioners on partnership arrangements, and access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidies for nurse prescribers.
"The ACT has shown leadership, vision, and a genuine commitment to healthcare reform," Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
"Now it's time for other jurisdictions to step up and deliver the same evidence-based reforms that will benefit patients, families, and our entire healthcare system."
