Designated RN prescribing: what’s happening and how to get ready
Designated registered nurse prescribing is moving from policy to practice. In her October update, Commonwealth Chief Nurse Alison McMillan PSM outlined the latest milestones for nurses, employers and health services preparing for commencement.
What’s new
- Applications are open through Services Australia for eligible designated RN prescribers to become authorised nurse prescribers and receive a PBS prescriber number. Access to relevant PBS services began on 1 October 2026..
- Authorised nurse prescribers will be able to PBS prescribe a subset of Schedule 2, 3 and 4 medicines. They receive a PBS prescriber number but not a Medicare provider number.
- A dedicated Designated RN Prescribing website now brings together information on eligibility, prescribing agreements, clinical mentorship, jurisdictional resources and Implementation Oversight Group communiqués.
- Outcomes from the May and July PBAC meetings have been published, giving clarity on which medicines may be available for designated RN prescribers.
Find out more on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Designated RN Prescribing page here.
