The Federal Government has released its national Nurse Practitioner (NP) Workforce Plan, outlining ways to increase the number of services that can be delivered by NPs, increase community awareness about the services NPs can provide, and grow the NP workforce.

It also addresses barriers that are preventing NPs from performing their full scope of their practice.

But with only 109 Nurse Practitioners working in aged care (according to the Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan, as of 2021), from a total of 2,200 accredited NPs, how will the program help the aged care sector?

In the recent Federal Budget, it was announced that Medicare rebates for care provided by NPs will increase by 30%.

The Government has also set aside $50 million to support nurses and midwives who wish to take on further study to become a NP.

Under the Plan, NPs will be able to prescribe medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The aged care sector faces challenges finding enough GPs, the program could fill some of the gaps – however, the number of NPs would have to increase significantly to make a meaningful change.

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP, said, “NPs are so valuable – they’re connected to their communities in a unique and important way.

“This Plan reaffirms our commitment to nurturing and supporting the workforce so they can use their expertise across aged care, primary care, mental health, private practice and in hospitals.”

Read the Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan HERE.