An important step forward with designated registered nurse prescribing standards

Media Statement - Tuesday 30 September 2025

Today, new registration standards for designated registered nurse prescribing come into effect. The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) welcomes this important step forward, and calls on governments to work together to support primary health care nurses to care for patients.  

“This is something the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association and other nursing organisations have advocated for over a long period." says APNA President, Denise Lyons.

 It’s a really positive change, that can make a tremendous difference for patients in primary health care."

“Today the new designated registered nurse prescriber standards come into effect – a critical part of supporting primary health care nurses to provide the care that people need."

“This is a cost-effective intervention, that allows people to receive required medications more quickly, particularly in rural and remote locations, reducing wait times, and easing access to essential treatments. It will allow designated registered nurse prescribers to deliver more holistic and person-centred care, enabling continuity and smoother patient journeys."

“This is an important step, but we know there’s more to do to support designated registered nurse prescribing. We need to see educational courses in place so that nurses can get the right training, and we need state and territory governments to work together and ensure legislation is harmonised across the Commonwealth."

“We’re going to keep advocating for primary health care nurses, and working with state and territory governments and other stakeholders, to fully implement this important reform."

About APNA 

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. APNA champions the role of primary health care nurses; to advance professional recognition, ensure workforce sustainability, nurture leadership in health, and optimise the role of nurses in patient-centred care. 

APNA is bold, vibrant and future-focused. We reflect the views of our membership and the broader profession by bringing together nurses from across Australia to represent, advocate, promote and celebrate the achievements of nurses in primary health care. 

APNA represents a significant and rapidly expanding workforce; primary health care nurses account for around one in eight of the 640,000 registered health professionals in Australia.