Designated Registered Nurse Prescribing regulations gazetted

Victoria has taken a significant step in modernising healthcare delivery, with regulatory amendments now gazetted under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations to enable designated registered nurses to prescribe medicines in partnership with an authorised health practitioners and strong governance arrangements.

The regulatory changes support the implementation of designated RN prescribing, a nationally coordinated reform designed to improve timely access to safe, effective and person-centred care. In Victoria, the reform expands access to care in defined clinical contexts while maintaining appropriate safeguards, education requirements, and clinical governance.

The changes forms part of broader national health workforce reform being progressed by Australian governments and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers to ensure healthcare models evolve to meet growing demand, changing population needs and workforce challenges. Designated RN prescribing is expected to enhance service responsiveness, particularly in rural and regional areas and for priority populations who may experience barriers to timely care.

Victoria's implementation plan establishes clear requirements for governance oversight and prescribing practice, ensuring prescribing occurs within evidence-based models of care and approved clinical settings.

Chief Nursing Officer Emma Saddington said the reforms represent an important milestone in enabling the nursing workforce to work to its full scope while maintaining patient safety as the central priority.

"These regulatory changes support contemporary models of care and provide a pathway for appropriately educated and authorised registered nurses to contribute more effectively to timely patient care. Importantly, implementation will occur within robust governance and clinical safety frameworks that support high-quality, person-centred care."

The Department of Health will continue to work closely with health services, professional bodies, educators and regulators to support implementation across Victoria.

Find out more about Victorian implementation requirements, guidance and timelines on the Designated registered nurse prescribing page.