International Briefs

AustraliaMore Access to Prescribers Under Landmark ChangeCommunity access to high-quality medicines is being bolstered under changes that extend prescribing rights to suitably educated and qualified registered nurses (RNs).The new prescribing model, which took effect on September 30, 2025, expands the scope of practice for endorsed RNs. This follows a decision by health ministers in December 2024.The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) published the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines—designated registered nurse prescriber (the standard) and supporting guidelines for RNs applying for and holding the endorsement.“This standard is one of the biggest changes to nursing regulation in decades,” said NMBA Chair Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey, AM.“More nurses prescribing will give Australians greater access to safe, affordable healthcare and medicines. Designated RN prescribing puts patients first without compromising public safety.”The NMBA is working closely with jurisdictional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers (CNMOs) to integrate designated RN prescribing into the Australian health system. This includes making sure RN prescribing is part of the organization's safety framework, the nurses have clear agreements with authorized health practitioners, and that they follow laws about drugs and poisons in each state and territory.The standard and guidelines will be periodically reviewed and evaluated to ensure they are achieving their intended outcome and to identify opportunities for further improvement.Source: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2025-09-30-More-access-to-prescribers.aspxIAMRA/WFMEIAMRA Resolution on WFME CPD Recognition ApprovedAt the 16th International Conference on Medical Regulation 2025, organized by the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) and hosted by the Medical Council of Ireland, IAMRA officially announced its support for the World Federation for Medical Education's Continuing Professional Development Program (WFME's CPD Recognition Program).The resolution was introduced by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and highlighted the growing importance of CPD as a global and borderless activity, with educational opportunities increasingly available across national and regional boundaries. Technological advances, including real-time translation tools, have significantly improved language accessibility, allowing physicians worldwide to engage with CPD activities offered in diverse languages and jurisdictions.The WFME has adopted the International Academy for CPD Accreditation (IACPDA) standards for its CPD Recognition Program. This initiative supports the development of high-quality, internationally recognized CPD accreditation systems. WFME also maintains a list of CPD accrediting bodies that meet this rigorous international level of quality, integrity, and educational effectiveness.IAMRA emphasized that enhanced mutual recognition of CPD credits across jurisdictions promotes physician mobility, regulatory efficiency, and work-force flexibility, all while upholding high standards of patient care and public safety.Source: WFME Newsletter, October 5, 2025Sri LankaMedical Council Marks 100 Years of Regulation of Health ProfessionalsThe Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), the national regulatory authority for medical, dental, and allied health professions, commemorated its 100th anniversary on July 5, 2025, with a series of landmark events in Colombo. Established in 1925 and originally modeled after the UK's General Medical Council, the SLMC has evolved into a dynamic and independent institution committed to upholding high standards in medical education, professional conduct, and public safety.Over the past century, the Council has played a central role in protecting the health of the nation by ensuring that only qualified, ethical, and competent professionals are entrusted with patient care. As the SLMC celebrates this important milestone, it is also reaffirming its future vision: embracing innovation, strengthening transparency, and aligning more closely with international best practices in regulation. This includes enhanced digitalization of regulatory processes, emphasis on continuing professional development, and proactive engagement with both professionals and the public.Source: https://files.constantcontact.com/0dc08e3e101/259d6f4f-aa7a-4d9d-9f53-78c206bc5e2e.pdf?_gl=1*11g7m36*_ga*ODI3MjczOTY3LjE3NTAxODQyNTE.*_ga_14T5LGLSQ3*czE3NTAxODQyNTAkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTAxODQzNjAkajIxJGwwJGgw