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29 Sep 2025
One of the guiding documents used for the education and regulation of prescribers has been updated, pushing for patient-centred care and responding to the fast-evolving world of healthcare.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing contracted Ahpra to review the second edition of the National Prescribing Competencies Framework (the framework) as part of its ongoing commitment to quality use of medicines.
Last updated in 2021, the framework outlines the skills and knowledge required of prescribers, best practice around the use of medicines, and the professional obligations of those involved. It also guides education and training programs, policy development and regulatory responses.
’This framework is part of the foundational building blocks that educators, regulators, practitioners and even the public can use to understand what’s expected in safe and effective prescribing,’ said Ahpra Chief Executive Officer, Justin Untersteiner.
‘The principles in this framework guide what is expected of any prescriber so it’s important that it keeps pace with the evolving healthcare landscape.’
For the recent review, Ahpra conducted research before seeking feedback from a wide range of stakeholders including education providers, professional associations, health consumer groups, and other health complaint organisations. The main goal was to ensure that the framework stays up to date and supports safe healthcare in a fast-evolving health environment.
The third edition of the framework has now been approved by the Department and is published on the Ahpra website.
The framework includes a new competency around the prescribing of unapproved therapeutic goods, compounded products, and medicines for unregistered indications.
This follows Ahpra’s recent guidance in other areas with high volumes of prescribing, including medicinal cannabis and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Other changes in the third edition of the framework expand on the shared decision-making process, the importance of person-centred care, and seek to ensure cultural safety is embedded throughout.
‘The framework applies to prescribers regardless of their professional background, and the setting in which they choose to practise,’ Mr Untersteiner said.
‘It is evidence-based and emphasises the need for quality and safe use of medicines, now and into the future.’
The original framework was first developed in 2012, updated and hosted by NPS MedicineWise, before it ceased operations in 2022.
Ahpra was contracted by the Department to review the framework and host the third edition until December 2029.
‘This framework is part of the foundational building blocks that educators, regulators, practitioners and even the public can use to understand what’s expected in safe and effective prescribing,’ - Ahpra Chief Executive Officer, Justin Untersteiner.
