The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee has recommended the passage of the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025, paving the way for designated registered nurses to prescribe medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from July 2026.
The Australian College of Nursing welcomes the Committee's unanimous recommendation to pass the bill, after a comprehensive inquiry that received 47 submissions from nursing organisations, medical associations, state governments, consumer groups, and individuals.
The Committee found strong support for the reform across the health sector.
"This is the most significant recognition of nursing's role in Australia's health system in a generation," said ACN Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN. "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. We congratulate the Committee on its decisive recommendation."
If passed by the Senate, this Bill would enable endorsed nurse prescribers to access PBS subsidies – meaning patients can access rebates for nurse-prescribed medicines.
