The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (Anmac) has published the new Nurse Practitioner Accreditation Standards 2026, (the Standards) following approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

The revised Standards support the implementation of the Nurse Practitioner workforce plan and reflect the evolving role of Nurse Practitioners in delivering safe, high-quality healthcare to communities across Australia.

The Standards set out the requirements for education providers delivering Nurse Practitioner programs and ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge, clinical capability and professional attributes required for contemporary practice.

The updated Standards introduce several significant changes, including revised admission requirements for entry into Nurse Practitioner programs, updated advanced practice experience requirements, strengthened public and cultural safety expectations, and new requirements relating to advanced clinical decision-making and independent practice.

The Standards also adopt a new five-standard framework, aligning Nurse Practitioner accreditation with contemporary accreditation approaches across the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

Anmac Chief Executive Officer, Camilla Rowland, said the publication of the revised Standards marks an important milestone for Nurse Practitioner education in Australia.

"These Standards ensure that Nurse Practitioner education programs continue to prepare practitioners who are safe, competent and ready to meet the healthcare needs of the Australian community”.

"The revised Standards reflect contemporary healthcare delivery and support the continued growth of the Nurse Practitioner workforce, while maintaining Anmac's strong focus on public safety, cultural safety and high-quality education".

The Standards have been developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders across the health and education sectors. Anmac acknowledges and thanks education providers, clinicians, professional bodies, students, consumers, and community representatives who contributed throughout the review process.

In accordance with Anmac's transition policy, all accredited Nurse Practitioner programs will be required to demonstrate transition to the new Standards. The new admission requirements will apply from the time a program transitions to the new accreditation standard.

Alongside the Standards, Anmac has also published the Evidence Guide and Consultation Report to support implementation and provide transparency regarding the development process.

The Nurse Practitioner Accreditation Standards 2026, Evidence Guide and Consultation Report are available on the Anmac website.

Media enquiries

Anmac Communications
E: communications@anmac.org.au