Game-Changer for Aussie Healthcare: Registered Nurses to Gain Prescribing Powers from 2025

In a landmark decision set to revolutionize the Australian healthcare landscape, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has released an advance copy of its new Registration Standard: Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines – Designated Registered Nurse Prescriber.

From September 2025, qualified Registered Nurses (RNs) will be able to apply for endorsement to prescribe Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 8 medicines, in partnership with authorized health practitioners. This development comes under a robust clinical governance framework and requires an active prescribing agreement, ensuring patient safety and professional collaboration.

“This is a landmark moment for Australian nursing,” said NMBA Chair Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM. “We’re inviting the entire health community to join us on this journey.”

To be eligible for endorsement, RNs must:

• Complete an NMBA-approved postgraduate qualification
• Demonstrate relevant clinical experience
• Undergo a six-month clinical mentorship with an authorized prescriber

Supporting materials including a fact sheet and guidelines are now available on the NMBA website to help nurses understand the pathway and prepare for this significant career progression.

This move is seen as a game-changer for healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and under-served areas, where increasing the number of prescribing practitioners could drastically improve timely access to essential medications.

The profession, policymakers, and healthcare providers now have over a year to align, adapt, and integrate this visionary initiative that empowers nurses and strengthens patient care.

Source : Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – New standard to enable registered nurse prescribing