Designated registered nurse prescribing
On 30 September 2025, the new registration standard Endorsement for scheduled medicines – designated registered nurse prescriber (the registration standard) came into effect.
The registration standard enables suitably educated, qualified and experienced registered nurses (RNs) to apply for endorsement for scheduled medicines with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). It is in strong alignment with key Government objectives to ensure healthcare is suitable, equitable and accessible for all Australians.
Designated RN prescribing is a regulated model of care which marks the most significant change to nursing practice in more than two decades.
Qualified RNs who gain endorsement as a designated RN prescriber will be able to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, supply and/or use Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines under the following conditions
- within the RN’s competence and scope of practice
- within a clinical governance framework
- in partnership with an authorised health practitioner
- under an active prescribing agreement
- in accordance with relevant state and territory drugs and poisons legislation.
Designated RN prescribing represents a natural progression of the RN role. Globally, nurse prescribing has been recognised for over 50 years as a safe and complementary practice.
Empowering RNs to gain prescribing endorsement creates a new pathway for patients to access medicines safely and effectively, while improving access to essential healthcare services and easing pressures on acute and primary care settings - particularly vulnerable populations and those living in regional, rural and remote communities.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office Scholarships – Applications now open
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office (CNMO) Scholarships are now open for eligible Registered Nurses (RNs) undertaking approved courses of study (external site) that lead to endorsement as a designated RN prescriber with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Eligibility:
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia, humanitarian visa holder or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets long-term residency requirements.
- International students visa holders are ineligible.
NMBA requirements for endorsement can be found in the NMBA Registration Standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines – designated registered nurse prescriber (external site).
Eligible applicants must apply for this scholarship prior to commencing studies. If you have already commenced study prior to applying, your application will be deemed ineligible.
A letter of support from your health service/organisation is required with your application. This can be downloaded here (PDF 96KB).
Only online applications are accepted – no email applications are accepted.
Applications are now closed.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
The Australian Government also provides scholarship funding for Primary Care and Aged Care RNs completing postgraduate study, including study that leads to endorsement as a designated RN prescriber.
These scholarships are administered by the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners and can be accessed via the links below:
Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program (external site)
Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program (external site)
For further scholarship information please email nmo.scholarships@health.wa.gov.au