RN prescribers rise as PBS reform unlocks faster medicines access

PBS prescribing bill 2025 paves the way for RN prescribers, speeding medicines access for regional and vulnerable Australians.

RN Prescribing Rise

The reform makes nurse prescribers eligible to issue PBS medicines after meeting requirements, including general registration, about 5,000 hours of post‑clinical experience, NMBA approved units and a six‑month postgraduate program. Prescribing is limited to collaboration with an authorised health practitioner, and real‑time monitoring will help ensure safety. For regional clinics and under‑served patients, access could shorten wait times for essential medicines.

MS PBS Delisting Risk

A pricing review targets two high‑efficacy MS treatments, and if PBAC recommendations stand, they could be delisted, pushing patients toward out‑of‑pocket costs up to about $30,000 per course. MS Australia and the manufacturers are lobbying to preserve subsidy. The decision tests Australia’s balance between price competition and continued access to high‑value therapy.

Unified Encounter Workflow

CareRight’s Care Encounter Manager brings pre‑admission through discharge into a single live patient record, accessible to authorised clinicians across the care journey. It replaces fragmented forms and supports real‑time updates, benefiting day hospitals and procedural clinics. The challenge will be interoperability across organisations and robust privacy controls.

Neffy PBS Listing

From 1 July 2026 Neffy, an intranasal adrenaline spray, joins the PBS for Australians aged four and older who weigh at least 15 kg. The listing gives subsidised access and reduces reliance on private prescriptions. The policy expands emergency treatment options, though its effect on ED presentations remains to be proven.