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Workforce

Workforce issues are one of the major challenges facing the rural health sector. Critical areas are the supply and distribution of workforce to meet existing and anticipated demand; recruitment and retention; quality, safety and regulation of the workforce; the level and nature of contribution of particular professional groups in service delivery and the development of a workforce appropriate to future levels and types of demand (including skills mix, training, continuing education, training infrastructure development). This work includes involvement in state and national policy development.

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What's New

Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act (1981) - Law changed to allow nurses to supply medicines

On 24 March 2010, a bill was passed to amend the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act (DPCS Act) to allow for the Minister to authorise, under certain conditions, registered nurses who are endorsed as being suitably qualified by the National Nursing and Midwifery Board, i.e. Rural and Isolated Practice Registered Nurse (RIPRN) to possess, sell or supply poisons.

For more information see: Law changed to allow nurses to supply medicines.

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