A landmark reform in Australian healthcare takes effect today with the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines – designated registered nurse prescriber now in place. This new model empowers suitably qualified registered nurses (RNs) to prescribe in partnership with authorised health practitioners, marking the most significant change to nursing practice in more than two decades.

The Registered Nurse Prescribing Accreditation Standards (RNPAS) developed by ANMAC and endorsed by Ahpra and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) set nationally consistent education requirements for this endorsement. ANMAC is accrediting programs to ensure graduates are fully prepared for safe and effective prescribing.

To qualify for the endorsement, RNs must:

• hold current general registration
• demonstrate at least three years’ full-time clinical experience post-initial registration, and
• complete an NMBA-approved postgraduate qualification or equivalent units of study leading to endorsement for scheduled medicines as a designated RN prescriber.

Under this partnership prescribing model, endorsed RNs will be able to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, supply and/or use Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines within a clinical governance framework and an active prescribing agreement in line with state and territory drugs and poisons legislation. Endorsed RNs will also undertake a six-month period of clinical mentorship with an authorised health practitioner.

Four education providers have already submitted programs for assessment against the RNPAS, with the first cohort of graduates expected in mid-2026, strengthening Australia’s skilled RN workforce.

“The designated registered nurse prescribing endorsement, supported by these Accreditation Standards, marks a new era for nursing in Australia,” said Tanya Vogt, ANMAC CEO. “It equips registered nurses with the knowledge and skills to prescribe safely and support access to timely, high-quality care for people and communities across Australia.”

This milestone reflects years of collaboration by ANMAC, Ahpra, the NMBA, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers (CNMOs), education providers and professional bodies, and aligns Australia with international best practice.

ANMAC will continue to work with partners to accredit programs, monitor outcomes and ensure ongoing safety and quality in registered nurse prescribing.

View the full media release from ANMAC and Ahpra for complete details on the registration standard and implementation plan.