Nursing groups are urging senators to pass the bill that would allow nurse practitioners to access the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The bill has already passed through the House of Representatives and earlier this month, a senate inquiry recommended that the bill be passed with subordinate legislation.

The acting federal secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF), Lee Thomas said nurse practitioners have demonstrated that they are capable professionals and they should be allowed to realise their full scope of practice.

She says they would make a particular impact in the aged care sector, where access to GPs is often difficult.

“I think nurse practitioners are vital to our community and aged care is something of an untapped area for them,” she said.

“Nurse practitioners are a practical and really worthwhile outcome in any sector and there is no doubt that they can assist in aged care.”

The president of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners said consumers have made it clear that they want choice and improved access to medical services.

“Nurse practitioners are capable of providing a wide variety of healthcare which can help people not only avoid emergency departments, but also maintain better health,” she said.