An important step forward with designated registered nurse prescribing standards

Today, new registration standards for designated registered nurse prescribing come in to effect. The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) welcomes this important step forward, and calls on governments to work together to support primary health care nurses to care for people.  

Comments attributable to APNA President Denise Lyons 

“This is something the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses and other nursing organisations have advocated for over a long period. It’s a really positive change, that can make a tremendous difference for patients in primary health care.  

“Today the new designated registered nurse prescriber standards come into effect – a critical part of supporting primary health care nurses to provide the care that people need.  

“This is a cost-effective intervention, that allows people to receive required medications more quickly, particularly in rural and remote locations, reducing wait times, and easing access to essential treatments. It will allow designated registered nurse prescribers to deliver more holistic and person-centred care, enabling continuity and smoother patient journeys.  

“This is an important step, but we know there’s more to do to support designated registered nurse prescribing. We need to see educational courses in place so that nurses can get the right training, and we need state and territory governments to work together and ensure legislation is harmonised across the Commonwealth.  

“We’re going to keep advocating for primary health care nurses, and working with state and territory governments and other stakeholders, to fully implement this important reform.