The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the second edition of the Prescribing Competencies Framework — Embedding quality use of medicines into practice (the Framework) that outlines the competencies and expectations for safe and effective prescribing.
This review aims to ensure that the Framework:
- remains fit for purpose, efficient, accurate, and reflective of current and emerging trends in education and multi-profession practices
- continues to describe competencies required to contribute to safe and person-centred prescribing and
- remains up-to-date and supports best practice in a rapidly evolving sector.
This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of safe and effective prescribing practices in Australia. Submissions close on 30 May 2025. You can also register for information sessions to be held on 28 April 2025 here.
What is the Framework?
The Framework was originally developed by NPS MedicineWise and published in 2012. It serves as a guide for all prescribers (regardless of profession) and is used to support the development and review of education, training and continuing professional development programs, practitioner self-reflection, National Board regulatory functions and the recognition and understanding of the role of prescribers. A second edition was published in 2021, and that edition is now being reviewed by AHPRA following the cessation of NPS MedicineWise operations at the end of 2022.
Prescribers are asked to apply these competencies, including their recognised scope of practice and the professional and regulatory environment in which they prescribe.
AHPRA’s review
AHPRA’s review will involve several stages: scoping, preliminary consultation, analysis/review, public consultation and then finalisation. The preliminary consultation with key stakeholders was completed in late 2024, and the public consultation phase is open until 30 May 2025. AHPRA is seeking feedback from diverse perspectives to ensure the Framework remains relevant to a wide range of clinical settings.
Proposed updates to the Framework
Proposed updates to the framework include:
- the addition of a new off-label prescribing competency
- expanding the person-centred approach, including emphasising shared decision-making between the person receiving care and the prescriber
- increasing focus on people with specific needs (including older people in residential aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with mental illness, disability or chronic conditions and those living in rural and remote areas and other vulnerable groups)
- reflecting, in the examples of practice, the continuing evolution of models of care by reference to virtual care and the use of technology in clinical decision making
- highlighting the importance of considering a person’s health literacy when prescribing and
- ensuring prescribers meet regulatory requirements, particularly when delivering health services in areas that that are affected by rapidly evolving technologies and models of care.
Our healthcare regulatory experts are available to assist you to navigate the evolving regulation of the delivery of health services that can be a step behind innovation in the sector.
Featured image: ‘Pills & drugs, healthcare photo’, Rawpixel, CC0.
