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What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is
An NP is a Registered Nurse with the experience, expertise and authority to diagnose and treat people of all ages with a variety of acute or chronic health conditions. NPs have completed additional university study at a Master’s degree level and are the most senior and independent clinical nurses in our health care system.
The title "Nurse Practitioner" can only be used by a person who has been endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
National standards for practice ensure that Nurse Practitioners are capable of providing high quality, patient centered care.
Did you know NP's in Australia....
- Provide health care in all states and territories in Australia
- Can provide patient rebates through Medicare
- Provide prescriptions and access to PBS medicines
- Can refer patients to hospitals and specialists
- Can order x-rays and diagnostic tests
- Are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
Do Nurse Practitioners need to work under the supervision of a Doctor?
An NP does not need to be supervised by a Doctor.
On 1 November 2024, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged care removed the legislated need for collaborative arrangements between participating midwives, nurse practitioners and medical practitioners to provide Medicare Benefits Schedule services and prescribe Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medications.
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/collaborative-arrangements
Why was this change necessary?
- It removed barriers to care provided by nurse practitioners and participating midwives, particularly in rural and remote areas where there is a smaller healthcare workforce and there are challenges attracting and retaining GPs
- The change provides nurse practitioners and participating midwives more autonomy in their scope of practice
- It increases use of participating midwives in First Nations settings
- It is the Australian government DOH goal that health care professionals are able to work to their full scope of practice.