New Telehealth Rules Threaten Access for Marginalised Australians — Nurse Practitioner Services at Risk

Upcoming federal telehealth reforms risk cutting off care for hundreds of thousands of Australians who rely on Nurse Practitioner (NP)–led services, warns the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP).

From 1 November, patients must see their NP in person at least once every 12 months to retain access to Medicare-funded telehealth services. While framed as promoting continuity of care, there is little evidence supporting this change.¹

“This rule will disproportionately harm rural and remote Australians, veterans, older people, and those seeking mental health care,” said Adjunct Associate Professor Chris Helms, ACNP CEO. “It will delay critical interventions, increase emergency visits, and worsen chronic disease outcomes.”

The reforms also exclude NP-led clinics from the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program, despite earlier government commitments to include them.² This exclusion means patients who rely on NP-led care will miss out on vital financial support during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Nurse Practitioners are legislated and regulated to deliver independent, comprehensive care. These reforms ignore two decades of evidence showing NP models improve outcomes and reduce costs,” Helms added. Many patients remain unaware of these changes, raising serious concerns about disrupted care and rising costs.

ACNP is calling for an immediate delay to the rollout, and urges the Commonwealth to conduct a full policy impact analysis and consult with stakeholders to ensure equitable access to care is maintained.

[1] MBS Review Advisory Committee. Telehealth Post-Implementation Review – Final Report. Australian Government, 2024.

[2] Minister for Health Speech – National Press Club, 2 May 2023