National group reviews progress on designated RN prescribing rollout
14 Aug 2026
During the August 2026 meeting, members received an update from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) on accredited designated RN prescribing programs, including enrolment numbers and emerging trends.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) is continuing to consider which medicines may be prescribed by designated RN prescribers under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Two groups of medicines were reviewed in May and July, with a third group scheduled for consideration in September 2026.
The group also discussed how cultural safety can be maintained and embedded throughout the implementation process.
Other topics included the launch of a new Commonwealth webpage for designated RN prescribing and updates to the program’s risk and issue register.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and Ahpra have also released resources to support registered nurses, including information on endorsement requirements, registration standards, guidelines, approved education programs and webinar materials.
ANMAC has published the Registered Nurse Prescribing Accreditation Standards 2025 and supporting evidence guides to assist education providers and nurses undertaking prescribing programs.
Designated RN prescribing is being introduced as part of broader reforms aimed at supporting safe, evidence-based healthcare and improving access to services across Australia.
National group reviews progress on designated RN prescribing rollout
Source: National Implementation Oversight Group (IOG); Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA); Ahpra; Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).