Endorsement for scheduled medicines for registered nurses (rural and isolated practice)

Transitioning the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines for registered nurses (rural and isolated practice) to retirement

Most states and territories in Australia already regulate the safe use of medicines by RNs through drugs and poisons legislation, local regulations and health service policies and/or protocols. In these states and territories, there is no need for additional regulation by the NMBA through an endorsement.

Victoria and Queensland, the two states that require registered nurses (RN) to hold the RIP endorsement to supply medicines in rural and isolated practice areas, have been progressing alternative regulatory mechanisms for RNs to continue to obtain, supply and administer certain scheduled medicines without the RIP endorsement.

When both Victoria and Queensland’s changes take effect, the NMBA will write to Health Ministers requesting that the RIP endorsement registration standard is retired.

Queensland

In September 2021, Queensland established a new medicines and poisons regulatory framework that enables rural and isolated practice RNs to continue to obtain, supply and administer certain medicines via an extended practice authority. Under the new framework, the day to day practise of Queensland RNs who hold the RIP endorsement will remain unchanged. For further information, please see Queensland Health’s website.

Victoria

Victoria have also progressed legislative changes which will take effect in the coming months. When these changes take effect, rural and isolated practice RNs will continue to be able to obtain, supply and administer certain medicines via a secretary approval under the protocols of their health service. The day to day practice of Victorian RNs who hold the RIP endorsement will also remain unchanged. For further information, please see the Victorian Department of Health’s website.

To support the smooth transition, the NMBA has ceased charging a fee for the RIP endorsement. This will ensure the continuity of the rural and isolated practice RN model of care in this period of transition.

All RIP endorsed RNs will be advised when the RIP endorsement is retired. For further information, please see the Fact sheet: Transitioning the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines for registered nurses (rural and isolated practice) to retirement or visit your local health department's website.