MEDIA RELEASE
11 July 2023
TGA changes improve women’s access to medical terminations
Australian College of Nursing (ACN) CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said the decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to allow appropriately qualified and trained Nurse Practitioners to prescribe MS-Step 2 for medical terminations will make access to this treatment and comprehensive quality health care more equitable for all Australian women.
Adjunct Professor Ward said this decision recognises the breadth of the scope of practice of Nurse Practitioners and will ensure that more women, especially in rural and remote communities, can access the health information and services they need.
“Nurse Practitioners with appropriate qualifications and training can now prescribe MS Step-2 without the need for certification,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“This decision makes health care for women safer, more accessible, more equitable, and it removes red tape.
“Medical terminations are safer and more affordable than surgical interventions.
“Nurse Practitioners are readily available at all stages of the medical termination process for women.
“They can provide information and education prior to the termination.
“They can monitor the woman after the treatment and provide ongoing comfort and care.
“They are there every step of the way.
“This is a perfect example of how access to treatment can be improved by widening the scope of practice of nursing.
“It reduces delays in seeking support and treatment and it provides more time with a nurse for wider health prevention education, sexual health, sexual safety, reproductive health, primary and preventative health and an overall health and wellbeing screening.
“It shows that we can shape health care access and provision in ways that better meet the needs of patients and the community.
“Nurses are key to strengthening primary care,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
The changes take effect from 1 August 2023.
For more information:
Kirsty Waterford 0403 295 934 Email: [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is the national professional organisation for all nurses and its aim is to ensure that the Australian community receives quality nursing care now and in the future. ACN is a membership organisation with members in all states and territories, health care settings and nursing specialties. ACN is also the Australian member of the International Council of Nurses headquartered in Geneva in collaboration with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF). An organisation not afraid to challenge industry issues affecting the nursing profession or Australia's health care, ACN is a well-connected and educated national body that drives change with people of influence to enhance the delivery of health services to the Australian community. ACN's membership includes nurses in roles of influence, including senior nurses, organisational leaders, academics, and researchers.
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CEO - Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN - Bio
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Kylie Ward. Policy Reformer. Nurse. For-Purpose Leader. Equality Warrior. Adjunct Professor. Transformation Specialist. Kylie is the CEO of Australian College of Nursing. She has led a program of transformation at ACN, which has now become Australia’s beacon for Nurse Leadership. She is a major policy influencer, advocate for women, children and equality.
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