Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines for registered nurses (rural and isolated practice) transition
In 2015, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) consulted on a proposal to discontinue the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines for registered nurses (rural and isolated practice) (the RIP endorsement). This proposal was supported by most jurisdictions at that time. Governments supported that the NMBA work with Victoria and Queensland, the two jurisdictions that require registered nurses (RNs) to be endorsed to supply medicines under protocol, to support the transition towards the discontinuation.
Victoria have progressed legislative changes which will take in the upcoming months. These changes will establish another mechanism for RNs to supply medicines under protocol in rural and isolated practice settings. Queensland are also consulting and progressing legislation which will achieve the same. This will enable the transition to the discontinuation of the RIP endorsement.
To support the smooth transition, the NMBA has agreed to not charge a fee for the RIP endorsement from 1 June 2021. This will ensure the continuity of the rural and isolated practice RN model of care in this period of transition.
The day to day practice for RNs who currently hold the RIP endorsement will not change.
Further communications will be provided directly to all RNs who currently hold the RIP endorsement shortly.
The following additional document has been developed to supplement the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines for registered nurses (rural and isolated practice) by providing further information to nurses regarding the NMBA's expectations and requirements.