Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia - March 2025
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March 2025

Contents

Chair's message

In 2025, the NMBA welcomes four new members across three states to its National Board: Rebecca North, Felicity Dalzell, and Dr Catherine Stoddart as practitioner members and Louise Southalan as a community member.

I look forward to working closely with them as they bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to our regulatory functions.

The NMBA would like to remind nurses and midwives of the standards they are expected to apply in their practice. There is no place for discrimination, racism or intolerance in healthcare.The Codes of conduct sets out the legal requirements, professional behaviour and conduct expectations for all nurses and midwives, in all contexts, in Australia.

In December 2024, Ahpra farewelled CEO Martin Fletcher. I’d like to personally thank Martin for his dedication to health practitioner regulation and protection of the public over the last 15 years.

Finally, a reminder that registration renewals for nurses and midwives will open in mid-April. Keep an eye out for more information in your emails.

Best wishes,

Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey
Chair, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

Veronica Casey

Meet your Board: Dr Catherine Stoddart, new practitioner member

Dr Catherine Stoddart is the Chief Executive Officer of Brightwater Care Group, one of WA’s largest providers of aged care and disability services.

With extensive leadership experience in complex health and care organisations including Deputy Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive at the Oxford University Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Stoddart’s commitment to social justice and improving the lives of vulnerable groups of people has been the focus of many of her roles.

Previously, she was the Deputy Director General, Department of Communities in WA and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Health.

She was awarded the 2011 Telstra Western Australia Businesswoman of the Year for strategies that she put in place to build stronger nursing career paths, as well as the development of Aboriginal employment programs across the Department of Health. In September 2013, Dr Stoddart received the Australian Public Service Medal in recognition of her contribution to health and innovative global community health volunteering programs.

Dr Stoddart holds a Master of Business Administration and Management as well as a Master of Science (Project Management). 

What made you want to become a nurse and midwife?

I wanted to be a nurse from about 13 years of age and still have the original project I did. I don’t think I realised the amazing scope that nursing and midwifery offers as a career until I became registered.

What made you want to apply to be on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia?

I am keen to continue to contribute to shaping nursing and midwifery in Australia, especially after my experience in the UK and recognising the role aged care and disability care can play for some of our most vulnerable Australians.

Now that you’re on the Board, are there any projects you are keen to see progress?

I am really interested in the review of the enrolled nursing scope of practice and the work on nurse/midwifery prescribers, both of which are likely to have a real impact in many areas.

Priority news

Discrimination and racism in healthcare will not be tolerated

More than 900,000 registered health practitioners provide much needed safe healthcare every day in Australia.

Safe healthcare relies on trust between patients and practitioners. Discrimination and racism erode that trust and put lives at risk.

There is no place for discrimination, racism or intolerance in healthcare.

Ahpra and the National Boards remind registered health practitioners of their obligations under their codes of conduct and ethics to provide care that is free of discrimination and racism. The codes of conduct and ethics set out the legal requirements, professional behaviour and conduct expectations for registered health practitioners in Australia. The codes underpin the requirements for the delivery of safe and respectful practice.

The Code of conduct for nurses, for example, states that nurses must:

  • respect diverse cultures, beliefs, gender identities, sexualities and experiences of people, including among team members
  • adopt practices that respect diversity, avoid bias, discrimination and racism, and challenge beliefs based upon assumption.

The codes for all professions include similar requirements.

Practitioners must also comply with the standards of their workplace and adopt practices that foster a respectful, inclusive and safe healthcare environment.

For more information, read the joint statement from Ahpra and the National Boards.

Delayed assessment for endorsement as a nurse practitioner

The NMBA is aware that many nurses are experiencing longer than usual wait times to assess applications for endorsement as a nurse practitioner. We appreciate applicants’ patience as we navigate the peak period and work towards outcomes as soon as possible.

Applications will not be considered unless they are complete, and all supporting documents have been provided. Details to assist in the submission of a complete application can be found on the Guidelines for nurses applying for endorsement as a nurse practitioner.

Board news

New endorsement to enable designated registered nurse prescribing

In December 2024, Health Ministers approved a new Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines – designated registered nurse prescriber (the standard), which enables suitably educated and qualified RNs to prescribe Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines in partnership with an authorised health practitioner under a prescribing agreement. 

An advance copy of the standard will be published on the NMBA website in April 2025. The endorsement, registration standard and guidelines will take effect August 2025. 

The standard will enhance safe, reliable access to medicines, particularly in rural and remote areas, addressing shortages of primary care providers.

Australia is well positioned to follow the lead of comparable healthcare systems where RN prescribing is already delivering successful outcomes.

Streamlined registration standard for internationally qualified registered nurses

On 26 September 2024, Health Ministers approved a new Registration standard: general registration for internationally qualified registered nurses (the standard).

The standard, which comes into effect by April 2025, streamlines the registration process for eligible internationally qualified registered nurses who have registered and practised as a registered nurse in an NMBA-approved comparable international jurisdiction.

In January, the NMBA published an advance copy of the standard to ensure stakeholders are informed and have sufficient time to adjust to it.

Flexible pathways for nurses and midwives to demonstrate English language skills

The NMBA has published an advance copy of the updated Registration standard: English language skills, revised after extensive consultation to improve flexibility for applicants and simplify English language requirements while maintaining public safety.

Included in the changes, which come into effect by April, is an expansion of the number of recognised countries and territories to ease the obstacles for nurses and midwives relocating to Australia from those nations.

To practise safely in Australia, nurses and midwives must have effective English language skills. The English language skills registration standard sets the requirements to make sure all nurses and midwives can provide safe care and communicate effectively in English.

This includes being able to communicate effectively with patients, clients, consumers and their relatives and carers, collaborate with other health care professionals and keep clear and accurate health records.

Renewals

Renewal looks different this year

Ahpra is introducing a new operating system including a new online practitioner portal.

 

When you first log in to renew, you’ll be asked to set up your practitioner portal and multifactor authentication (also called two-step verification).

 

If you currently log in with a 10-digit User ID we’ll be moving you to an email username. That’s right we’re getting rid of those pesky 10-digit User IDs. Be aware that the email you use for your username must be unique to you and can’t be a shared email address with someone else.

 

There is nothing for you to do now. However, in April we will provide you with detailed instructions on what you need to do and when.

 

As we transition to a new operating system, there will be temporary changes to how we work with you. This means your 2025 renewal reminder will be sent in mid-April but rest assured you will still have plenty of time to renew on time by 31 May 2025.  

Apply now

Second call for applications: Internationally qualified nurse and midwife examination committees

Following an initial recruitment campaign late last year, the Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Committee (NMAC) is calling for applications from people with specific areas of experience for appointment to the following examination committees:

  • Internationally Qualified Nurse Examinations Committee (IQNEC)
  • Internationally Qualified Midwife Examinations Committee (IQMEC).

Applicants can seek appointment to one or both committees.

NMAC oversees the pre-registration assessment of the knowledge, clinical skills and professional attributes of internationally qualified nurses and midwives wanting to register in Australia. The pre-registration assessment process includes multiple-choice question (MCQ) examinations and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE). There are separate examinations for internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRN), internationally qualified midwives (IQM) and internationally qualified enrolled nurses (IQEN).

NMAC established the IQNEC and IQMEC to help it oversee the examination stages of the pre-registration assessment. These committees are part of NMAC’s arrangements to ensure the OBAs reflect good assessment practice and examination governance.

Applications close on Sunday 16 March at 11.55pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Second call for applications: Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Committee

The NMBA is calling for applications for appointment to the Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Committee (NMAC).

NMAC provides oversight on the outcomes-based assessment (OBA) of the knowledge, clinical skills and professional attributes of internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNM) who are seeking registration in Australia. The NMAC also makes recommendations to the NMBA about the OBA for IQNM and associated matters.

Applications close on Sunday 16 March at 11.55pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To view the vacancies and submit an application, please visit the Committee member recruitment page.

Have your say

Review of the Recency of practice registration standard

The NMBA is reviewing its Recency of practice registration standard to ensure that it is based on the best available evidence, meets the objectives of the National Law and is as clear as possible. 

 

Recent practice and maintaining connection with the profession help nurses and midwives to retain their skills and competence and promotes safe care. All registered health practitioners must meet recency of practice registration standards annually to be registered and continue practising.

Public consultation will take place in the coming months.

Spotlight

New Ahpra operating system coming online

Ahpra is introducing a new case management operating system this year.


The system provides a new Ahpra portal for practitioners and digital smart forms for all new applicants and registration renewals, making it easier, faster and more secure to apply for registration.

 

The new system includes an online biometric identity verification service that will replace the current intensive, manual process for easier, faster registration for international applicants. Other features include a new two-step verification process for enhanced security, improved and easier-to-use ‘Raise a Concern’ forms for notifications, and a new data model that will better identify trends.

 

Ahpra’s current operating system has been in place since the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme began in 2010.

 

The new system allows Ahpra to better meet its operational requirements and the performance outcomes expected of a modern regulator.

 

Parental leave fee relief on the way

A 30 per cent rebate on annual registration fees for practitioners who take parental leave will come into effect on 1 July 2025, while a wider review of pro rata fees gets underway.

This action is designed to provide financial relief for practitioners taking parental leave (and other forms of protected leave types such as disability and carer’s leave).  

It is a first step in a range of measures that Ahpra and the National Boards are examining to make the annual registration fees system more flexible and responsive.

Learn more about the parental fee relief approach.

Nursing and midwifery regulation at work: notification case studies

Victorian man prosecuted for producing fake registration certificate

A former nurse has been fined $5,000 for holding himself out as a registered nurse when applying for employment in the nursing profession.

Read more.

Keep in touch with the NMBA

  • Visit the NMBA website for registration standards, codes, guidelines and FAQs.
  • Lodge an online enquiry form.
  • For registration enquiries, call 1300 419 495 (from within Australia) or +61 3 9285 3010 (for overseas callers).
  • Address mail correspondence to: Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM, Chair, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, GPO Box 9958, Melbourne, VIC 3001.
 
 
Page reviewed 5/03/2025
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