AMA Supports National Medicines Record
13 Feb 2026
The AMA says the system will only work if software used in clinics and hospitals can connect properly, with mandatory technical standards to make information available at the point of care.
The AMA supports a clinician-managed medicines record that is accurate and readable by computers. It should use Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) and SNOMED CT‑AU to make the information safe for clinical decision-making.
The National Medicines Record plans to bring together information from electronic prescriptions, the Active Script List, eNRMC, and My Health Record into a single, de-duplicated view of a patient’s medicines. Doctors want digital tools that make their work easier. AMA feedback shows that while e-prescribing is helpful, issues remain with software, usability, and patient confidence in managing repeats. A curated medicines list is only useful if it is accurate and integrated into existing GP and hospital systems, not as a separate portal.
The AMA also says it’s important to close gaps in telehealth prescribing, ensuring all online prescriptions are added to My Health Record. This will improve continuity of care and reduce risks for patients.
Implementation should align with the electronic National Residential Medication Chart (eNRMC) rollout in aged care to avoid creating isolated systems. The AMA will work with the government and Digital Health Agency to make sure software vendors meet standards and timelines.
Finally, the AMA calls for clear rules on who manages the record, who is accountable, and how duplicates are handled, so both clinicians and patients can trust the National Medicines Record from day one.
Source: AMA; Australian Government
