The ACT Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to strengthen the role of nurse practitioners in ways that benefit patients, carers and families.
The ACT Legislative Assembly today passed the Nurse Practitioners Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, making the Territory the first jurisdiction in Australia to grant nurse practitioners the authority to issue cause-of-death certificates and witness non-written health directions.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the reforms will streamline processes that currently require a doctor's signature, even when a nurse practitioner has been leading a patient's care or is an integral part of the care team.
"This Bill is about removing unnecessary barriers and ensuring our highly skilled nurse practitioners can provide compassionate, timely care when patients and families need it most," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"These changes recognise the advanced training and expertise of nurse practitioners and their vital role in delivering person-centred care, particularly in palliative, hospice and aged-care settings.
"This is an Australian-first reform that strengthens our healthcare system and supports patients and their families and carers during sensitive times."
The legislation authorises nurse practitioners to witness non-written health directions, removing the requirement for a doctor to be the second witness to that direction. This makes the process more accessible and efficient for patients and families during critical moments of care.
The amendments also enable nurse practitioners who have undertaken the necessary training and obtained the required credentials to issue cause of death certificates within 48 hours of a person's death where they were responsible for the care of the person and can form a reasonable opinion as to the person's cause of death, and in circumstances where a referral to the Coroner is not required.
These changes will support nurse practitioners across the Territory to deliver care with fewer administrative barriers and greater responsiveness to community needs.
"The ACT Government is continuing its work to expand the scope of practice of nurse practitioners, with work underway to enable nurse practitioners to conduct fitness to drive medical assessments and complete documentation such as work capacity certificates for initial Workers' Compensation claims," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
"We have many fantastic health professionals in the ACT, and we want to ensure their range of skills and expertise can best benefit our community."
