National Lung Cancer Screening Program - NP role
Our submission strongly advocated for the pivotal role NPs can and should play across all aspects of the screening program—from patient eligibility assessments and shared decision-making, through to discussing results and referring for follow-up care. This endorsement recognises the critical skills, autonomy, and leadership cancer nurses bring to early detection and cancer control. You can read the full CNSA submission here.
NPs will be authorised to provide MBS-rebated low-dose CT scan requests for the Program’s MBS items 57410 (screening) and 57413 (interval), available on MBS online. These requests will be eligible to be billed under Medicare for the same rebate as other eligible requesting practitioners. NPs will be able to request the NLCSP MBS items where state and territory legislation allows (section 16C - Medicare benefits in relation to diagnostic imaging services rendered in contravention of State or Territory laws). This change will not affect any MBS items other than those for the Program.
The successful implementation of the NLCSP will rely heavily on the ability of skilled professionals to deliver equitable, person-centred care—particularly in communities that are traditionally under-screened. Nurse Practitioners are ideally placed to lead this charge, and CNSA is proud to champion their inclusion.
We will continue to engage with government and key stakeholders to ensure cancer nurses are part of the workforce shaping the future of national cancer screening in Australia. We will also work to support members with access to relevant training, resources, and information as implementation planning progresses.
Want to know about the NLCSP?
There is a suite of resources with information for healthcare providers, the general public and participants, available on the department’s NLCSP webpage. These will be updated in the coming months to reflect this legislative change, so check back regularly to find updated information about the program.
We look forward to discussing this in detail at next week's CNSA and ICCN Congress, with a workshop dedicated to the topic and plenary session focusing on the key role of nurses in the program.
