Navigating Change: The Rise of Nurse Prescribing in Australia with Denise Lyons

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Kim, Chris, and Riwka are joined by Denise Lyons, President of the Australian Primary Nurse Association, to discuss the introduction of the Designated Registered Nurse Prescribing model in Australia. Covering the evolution of the nurse prescribing initiative, pathways to endorsement, and what the change means for general practices, particularly in primary care and rural settings. Key Points: - **Registered Nurse Prescribing Model:** The designated RN prescribing model allows endorsed registered nurses to prescribe certain medications in partnership with authorised health practitioners. This is a significant development for the nursing profession and for access to care in Australia. - **Endorsement Requirements:** Nurses need at least 5,000 clinical hours, postgraduate study, and must work under a clinical governance and prescribing partnership agreement. Several endorsed pathways exist, including recognition of overseas credentials. - **Scope and Clinical Governance:** This is not an autonomous role-prescribing is collaborative, supported by agreements and compliance with both national and state regulation. The RN prescriber is professionally responsible for their own prescribing, within robust governance frameworks. - **Implementation:** The rollout is at different stages in each state and territory; practice managers need to refer to their local requirements. A national implementation website is planned to streamline access to guidance and resources. - **Funding:** There are currently no new Medicare item numbers linked to nurse prescribing, but professional bodies are advocating for funding reform to support the expanded role. Practice managers are encouraged to stay updated, consult the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia for resources, and ensure local compliance before implementing nurse prescribing in their practices. **Links & Resources:** **NMBA/Ahpra** - Designated RN prescribing enquiries: [rnprescribing@nursingandmidwiferyboard.gov.au](mailto:rnprescribing@nursingandmidwiferyboard.gov.au) - Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines – designated registered nurse prescriber - Guidelines for registered nurses applying for and with the endorsement for scheduled medicines – designated registered nurse prescriber - Fact Sheet – Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines – designated registered nurse prescriber - Latest list of approved programs of study for designated RN prescribing - DoHDA - Registered Nurse Prescribing https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/designated-registered-nurse-prescribing - APNA International Festival of Nursing 2027 - https://www.festivalofnursing.com/ - How to Prepare to be a Designated RN prescriber - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/designated-registered-nurse-prescribing/how-to-prepare-to-be-a-designated-rn-prescriber Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network