Health reform has expanded scope of practice for endorsed midwives and nurse practitioners while most recently RN prescribing standard has been introduced.

The ANMF welcomed federal government initiatives in 2025 to strengthen Medicare, including expanded bulk-billing incentives. While these reforms mark real progress, their full impact is yet to be fully realised by those working on the ground.  

In a major boost to improving healthcare access and delivery is the change in nursing regulation enabling experienced registered nurses to prescribe a range of medicines. The move, signed off by state and federal health ministers means eligible RNs will be able to prescribe Schedule 2,3,4 and 8 medications on completion of approved training.

The ANMF will continue to advocate for broader access to MBS and PBS rebates for advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners, and endorsed midwives, as well as increased nurse-led and midwife-led models of care.

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