The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has welcomed the ACT Government’s ‘pioneering legislation’ that will expand nurse practitioners’ scope of practice, describing it as a national first that should prompt other jurisdictions to act.
The Nurse Practitioners Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, introduced this week, enables endorsed nurse practitioners in the ACT to issue cause of death certificates and witness non-written health directions. The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to formally recognise nurse practitioners’ ability to undertake these responsibilities.
‘This is exactly the kind of bold, evidence-based reform that will improve patient care and healthcare productivity across the board,’ ACN Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Prof Kathryn Zeitz FACN said.
According to ACN, the changes acknowledge the advanced training and clinical expertise of nurse practitioners, particularly in hospice, palliative care and residential aged care settings. Under the reform, nurse practitioners who have cared for a patient will be able to issue a cause of death certificate within 48 hours, supporting families and reducing delays in finalising legal matters.
Adjunct Prof Zeitz said the ACT’s approach reflects the recent agreement by Federal, State and Territory Treasurers to support full scope of practice under the updated National Competition Policy Federation Funding Agreement Schedule.
‘The Treasurers have recognised that full scope of practice isn’t just good for patient care – it’s economically essential for healthcare productivity,’ she said. ‘The ACT is demonstrating exactly how this commitment translates into practical reform. Enabling nurse practitioners to work without unnecessary barriers, means improved access to timely, high-quality care, reduced waiting times, and better use of our health workforce.’
ACN is urging every state and territory to review their legislation and remove restrictions that prevent nurse practitioners from working to their full qualifications.
“Every jurisdiction should be asking themselves: what barriers exist in our legislation that are preventing nurse practitioners from delivering the care they’re qualified to provide?”
Adjunct Prof Zeitz noted the reform builds on recent national changes allowing nurse practitioners to participate in voluntary assisted dying processes and prescribe medical terminations of pregnancy. It also aligns with regulatory shifts enabling registered nurses to prescribe medications in partnership arrangements.
ACN stressed that wider implementation of full scope of practice requires structural support, including the release of the National Nursing Workforce Strategy, clear communication for employers and practitioners, education on partnership models, and access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidies for nurse prescribers.
‘The ACT has shown leadership, vision and a genuine commitment to healthcare reform,’ Adjunct Prof Zeitz said. ‘Now it’s time for other jurisdictions to step up and deliver the same evidence-based reforms that will benefit patients, families and our entire healthcare system.’
