Submission: Review of the National Prescribing Competencies Framework

Why the National Prescribing Competencies Framework needs a review 

The National Prescribing Competencies Framework was first published in 2012 and last updated in 2021. Through seven competency areas, it aims to create person-centred care in prescribing practice.  

The goal of the review was to ensure the framework is doing what it was designed for and remains in line with contemporary practice.  

What is changing in the framework? 

The proposed updates to the framework include providing guidance for off-label prescribing, emphasising a patient-centred approachs to care and embedding cultural safety in the framework.  

Osteopaths have very limited opportunities where prescribing relationships are established, however the updated competency areas on cultural safety and patient-centred care will help develop the profession. 

We recently responded to the review of this framework, agreeing with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) that the proposed updates to the framework are sensible and will build the capacity of both osteopaths and the Australian health workforce. 

What we recommended 

• Osteopaths should have prescribing rights, though they should be limited. This will reduce pressure on the primary care network and hospitals, particularly regarding chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Those who wish to expand their scope of practice can engage in this training, but it should not be a requirement for all osteopaths. 

• Rigorous informed consent processes can empower your patient’s decision making. This approach enables safe and high-quality healthcare. We recommended that the framework better explain how informed consent forms part of this process and involves detailed discussions between practitioner and patient.  

• Better competency in off-label prescribing. This practice carries risk of harm to patients and prospective patients. We noted the framework should provide more examples around prescribing, the role of the prescriber and how it falls within the remit of the health professional. 

• Enshrine cultural safety. Osteopaths and other health practitioners prescribing for be conscious of ongoing systemic racism and inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and account for this in their practice. 

Our submission 

We support Ahpra’s recommendation to update the framework with the proposed amendments. Prescribing practice poses potential risk, and so ensuring competencies are maintained through this framework will ensure safe and ethical practice for osteopaths with prescribing rights.  

You can read our full submission here.