The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has extended the grace period for non-conformant electronic National Residential Medication Chart (eNRMC) vendors until 1 December 2025. The decision replaces previous advice that the grace period would end on 21 October.
Ageing Australia welcomed the decision, saying it will ease pressure on providers affected by delays from a small number of software vendors.
“We’re pleased the Department has listened to the issues raised by Ageing Australia and providers,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson. “In a nutshell, the extension means providers using Telstra Health’s MedPoint software do not have to take emergency action this year to address a problem not of their making.”
Mr Symondson said the organisation had been working closely with impacted providers, the Minister’s office, the Department, Telstra Health, GPs and pharmacists over the past three weeks to ensure non-conformance issues do not affect aged care residents.
“The extension is the most practical way to achieve this moving forward,” he said. “This decision reflects the need for a measured and safe transition to electronic prescribing across residential aged care.”
The Department confirmed that further extensions may be granted if vendors can demonstrate sufficient progress toward meeting conformance requirements.
Residential aged care homes, clinicians, and pharmacists can continue using these systems, but are urged to assess and manage any clinical risks associated with non-conformant products. The Department and the Australian Digital Health Agency will continue to support affected vendors and monitor sector impacts.
Ageing Australia said it will keep working with the government and vendors to ensure providers have the clarity, support, and systems they need during the extended transition.
“We have also communicated our frustration with how this matter was handled…The lack of communication with providers was not good enough, and we are working to ensure this does not happen again.”
Tom Symondson
The Department has also extended the overall implementation phase for electronic prescribing eNRMC systems from 1 March 2026 to 31 December 2026 to support a safe and orderly rollout. Updated resources reflecting the new dates will soon be available on the Department’s website under the Electronic National Residential Medication Chart (eNRMC) collection.
