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Loophole to be closed on NP telehealth arrangements following AMA advocacy

AMA advocacy will see important changes to telehealth arrangements for GPs and nurse practitioners implemented later in 2025.

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen received a letter from the Department of Health and Aged Care late last week informing her the loophole allowing nurse practitioners to access MBS telehealth items without an existing relationship will be removed. The established clinical relationship requirements that currently apply to GP telehealth will also apply to NP telehealth from 1 November 2025.

The AMA has advocated for this important reform to telehealth rules since 2023. It closes a loophole we raised in two submissions, in a letter to the Health Minister, and in numerous meetings with the department. This change ensures patients receive adequate standards of care while ensuring continuity of care is embedded in telehealth services.

The letter also informed us that from 1 November 2025 the eligibility criteria for MBS GP telehealth will also be extended to include MyMedicare registration, a key proposal put byby  immediate past AMA President Professor Steve Robson to Minister Butler in July last year. Through this change, a patient will be eligible for MBS rebates for GP telehealth if they either meet the established clinical relationship requirement or are receiving their telehealth service from a GP at their registered MyMedicare practice. This will make it far simpler for patient and practices to determine telehealth eligibility for their regular patients.

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