What’s happened?
Health ministers have backed a pathway for Registered Nurses (RNs) to prescribe some medicines once they complete extra study, a period of mentored practice, and set up a prescribing agreement with an authorised prescriber (e.g., a GP). It’s designed to improve access to everyday medicines and relieve pressure on GP appointments.
When might this affect us?
Not immediately. Education programs and agreements take time; patients may not see RN-issued prescriptions until 2026.
Is this safe?
Safety is the focus. The prescribing agreement sets what can be prescribed, for whom, and under what circumstances, with oversight from the partnering practitioner. National groups are also debating exclusions for high-risk medicines to keep guardrails tight.
What could be the benefit at home?
For clients stable on long-term medications, it may mean fewer delays for repeats and more flexibility—within a GP-led care plan.
What stays the same at Reliant?
Care remains coordinated with your GP or specialist.
Consent and communication stay central.
Any adoption on our side will be measured, policy-based and audited.
If you’d like us to explain how this could fit your specific care plan, contact your Reliant coordinator and we’ll walk through it together.
