The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) says Health Ministers must ensure a new prescribing power for registered nurses is implemented smoothly and consistently across all jurisdictions, with comprehensive support from all parts of the healthcare sector.
The regulatory standard that will enable registered nurses to prescribe in partnership with nurse practitioners and medical practitioners takes effect today, reflecting a practice that is already in place in other countries, including the UK and New Zealand.
It is one of the biggest changes for the nursing profession in decades and has the potential to revolutionise the delivery of quality, efficient, and accessible care.
"We congratulate Health Ministers on agreeing to this change in December last year, and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers for driving it over many, many years," Australian College of Nursing Chief Nursing Officer, Frances Rice said.
"But we now need the systemic support that will enable this change to truly bring about improvements for people needing health care."
