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PBS prescribing and MBS items

Last checked 5 October 2026

General information only, not legal or regulatory advice; check the official NMBA page before applying.

Endorsement is not automatic access​

The NMBA's Safety and quality guidelines for nurse practitioners say endorsement as an NP does not give automatic access to the MBS and PBS. NPs are eligible to apply to be a "participating NP" under section 16 of the Health Insurance Act 1973 for MBS access, and are also eligible to apply for PBS access. The decision about MBS and PBS access is separate from NMBA endorsement.

PBS prescribing​

The PBS website says:

  • NPs endorsed to prescribe under state or territory legislation can apply for approval as PBS prescribers, called authorised nurse practitioners. The PBS website says information on becoming an authorised PBS prescriber is available from Services Australia.
  • Medicines that authorised NPs can prescribe are identified by "NP" in the PBS Schedule. NPs must not issue PBS prescriptions for medicines whose listing does not specify "NP".
  • PBS prescribing is limited by the NP's scope of practice, the NMBA's professional practice standards, and state or territory prescribing rights. It also depends on being an authorised NP as required by the National Health Act 1953.
  • Some medicines have extra conditions for NP prescribing, so check each listing.
  • NP PBS prescriptions must include the NP's PBS prescriber number, and may include repeats.
  • NPs may also write private (non-PBS) prescriptions within their scope of practice and state or territory law.

MBS items​

The MBS lists participating nurse practitioner services in Category 8 (Miscellaneous services). The MBS overview note says participating NPs can also request certain pathology and diagnostic imaging services and refer patients to specialists as the clinical need arises. Each MBS item describes its service requirements and schedule fee.

Collaborative arrangements removed​

The Department of Health and Aged Care says the legislated need for collaborative arrangements between participating midwives, NPs and medical practitioners, to provide MBS services and prescribe PBS medicines, was removed from 1 November 2024. The department says the change did not affect state and territory governments. The MBS overview note for participating NPs still describes services provided in collaboration with other health care providers, so check the date of what you read.

How EndorseMe helps​

  • Item numbers (open in EndorseMe) is an MBS item number reference.
  • Medications (open) collects PBS prescribing resources.
  • Pathology and Radiology (open) list resources for requesting tests.
  • These are reference tools. Always check the current PBS Schedule and MBS Online, which are the official sources.

Official sources​