Review of direct referrals from allied health and other primary care providers to non-GP specialists

Learn about how the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) is reviewing direct referrals from allied health and other primary care providers to non-GP specialists.

About the review 

The MRAC is developing an implementation framework for Recommendation 12 of the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce: Scope of Practice Review Final Report (Final Report).

The MRAC will consider direct referral pathways to non-GP specialists from participating midwives, nurse practitioners, remote area nurses and several allied health professionals.   

Who we work with 

MRAC will undertake this review without establishing a working group. 

Why the review is important 

Referral pathways play an important role in supporting contemporary models of primary care. MRAC will consider direct referral pathway implications including safety, clinical accountability, and coordination of patient care. It will also consider whether the proposed referral pathways are appropriately designed to support high quality, timely access and sustainable care within the MBS. 

Consultation 

Targeted and public consultation processes will be undertaken during the review. 

To register your interest in participating in the consultation email:  MBSContinuousReview@health.gov.au 

Status 

It is anticipated this review will take approximately 12-18 months to complete.

Date Activity 
3 March 2026 The MRAC discussed principles for this review. 
8 December 2025 The MRAC endorsed the commencement of this review. 

Contact

MBS Continuous Review contact

Contact us with questions about the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Continuous Review.
Date last updated:

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