Episode 56

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

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About the Podcast

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Medicubes
The Medicubes team bring you a monthly panel conversation of exciting and challenging topics in primary health care, answering listener questions and invited guests to the discussions.

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About your hosts

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Kim Poyner

Accredited Health Coach and executive coach, with over 20 years of experience in General Practice and Intensive Care Units. Mentor to health professionals and organisations to achieve their best, specialising in chronic disease management, coaching, and change management programs.
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Riwka Hagen

An experienced general practice manager, with a passion for leadership development, coaching, and business management in the health sector. As the Director of Medical Business Services and Medical Business Coaching, she provides consulting, advisory, coaching, training, and mentoring services to health organisations Australia-wide, and is also the founder of the highly active Facebook group 'Practice Managers Network'.
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Chris Smeed

A lover of all things Practice Management and Data. Always thinking of ways to make life easier and to help with patient outcomes.