AMA to work with government on nurse legislation

The Australian Medical Association will work with the Federal Government to ensure patients benefit from the introduction of new prescribing rights for nurse practitioners and midwives.

Legislation will be introduced into Federal Parliament today to grant nurse practitioners and midwives prescribing rights under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the ability to perform a broader range of procedures subsidised by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

“We have been assured by the Government that nurse practitioners and midwives will work collaboratively with medical practitioners to deliver quality care and ensure patient safety under the new arrangements,” AMA Federal President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said.

“The new arrangements will benefit patients if access to high-quality health services is increased and efficient, properly-coordinated care is provided.

Dr Pesce said it was important to ensure that patient access to medical services was not restricted under the new arrangements.

“There is an enormous amount of detail to be worked through in this process. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure patients benefit if nurses and midwives are given access to PBS prescribing rights and increased access to the MBS,” Dr Pesce said.

24 June 2009

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Kirk Coningham       02 6270 5477 / 0417 142 467
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