Western Australia will introduce a national prescribing model to allow designated registered nurse prescribers to safely prescribe certain medications.
They will work in partnership with an authorised health practitioner under a Clinical Governance Framework and an active Prescribing Agreement.
This reform is considered the most significant national expansion of nursing scope of practice since the introduction of the Nurse Practitioner role.
Under the new model, designated registered nurse prescribers will be able to prescribe Schedule 2, 3 ,4 and 8 medicines within their defined scope of practice.
The new regulation will enhance access to timely, safe, high-quality, reliable medicines, particularly for people living in rural and remote communities and aged care while alleviating pressure points in acute care.
Eligible registered nurses can now undertake the required education to gain endorsement to prescribe medications through accredited tertiary education courses.
Implementation of the prescribing model in Western Australia is in the planning stage. It is being led by the Department of Health’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office and will occur in staged phases.
WA Health Director General Shirley Bowen said the changes marked a significant step forward for patient access and workforce capability.
“This reform will expand the capabilities of our nursing workforce and help older people and regional communities’ access safe care closer to home,” she said.
“It will also improve timely access to medicines and strengthen the care delivered across primary care, aged care, and rural and remote settings.
“Registered nurses play an essential role in our health system, and these changes will ensure they are better supported, recognised, and able to practise to their full scope.”
More information about the Designated Registered Nurse Prescribing Model is on the Department of Health website.
ENDS
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