What this instrument did
The National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (Nurse Practitioner Prescribing) Instrument 2026 amended the National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement 2021. The amendment allowed nurse practitioners to prescribe certain highly specialised drugs under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Dates
The instrument was made on 24 April 2026 and was in force from 24 April 2026. It was repealed on 18 August 2026.
Administering department and legislation
The instrument was administered by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the National Health Act 1953.
Scope of coverage
The source does not specify which drugs or conditions were covered by this instrument.
Repeal and replacement
The instrument was repealed on 18 August 2026. The source does not specify what, if anything, replaced this instrument after that date.
Key actions
- Health practices that employ or contract nurse practitioners can check whether their PBS claiming and prescribing processes reflect nurse practitioner prescribing entitlements - the full instrument text is available at legislation.gov.au by searching for F2026L00448.
- Because this instrument was repealed on 18 August 2026, the Federal Register of Legislation at legislation.gov.au can be checked for any replacement instrument governing nurse practitioner prescribing under the Highly Specialised Drugs Program.
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing can be contacted for clarification on current nurse practitioner PBS prescribing rules following the repeal of this instrument.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.