Practice nurses (enrolled and registered nurses) are authorised to complete and certify (sign) some NDSS forms. This is optional for each GP or medical practitioner or clinic, and a practice nurse is not required to certify a form unless it is within their scope of practice, knowledge and experience to do so. Referral to other health professionals Normal referral processes to health professionals such as credentialled diabetes educators, accredited practicing dietitians or other health professionals continue as required. Which NDSS forms can be signed/certified by a practice nurse? The forms that can be certified by a practice nurse are the: NDSS Registration form; Syringe or Pen Needle Access form (previously known as Medication Change form). Find these at NDSS forms and on some medical software platforms via HealthShare. Some forms are available through the NDSS Health Professional Portal or by downloading the form. It takes about five minutes of your time and can help your patient stay on top of diabetes for the rest of their life. If you use the NDSS Health Professional Portal, the form will be processed, and if all required information is supplied, confirmed within minutes. If a printed form is submitted, it can take up to seven days on receipt, to be processed and confirmation sent. Read more in the Frequently asked questions for practice nurses signing/certifying relevant NDSS forms. How to certify NDSS forms NDSS Registration form The NDSS Registration form allows you to register a person with diabetes with the NDSS. The NDSS is available to all people with diabetes who live in Australia, or are visiting from some countries. It is free to register. To find out more, go to the registration page. The NDSS provides access to: diabetes health information and resources support and education programs for practical help and guidance subsidised diabetes products. Registering people with diabetes with the NDSS is a great way to support them to self-manage their life with diabetes. Even if they do not need to monitor blood glucose levels or access diabetes products, the NDSS provides access to important diabetes information, support services and self-management education programs. This includes a great range of online programs for anywhere, anytime learning and support. How is the NDSS Registration form certified? In order to certify this form, simply: complete the ‘Certifier’ section, including providing your AHPRA registration number outline the diabetes diagnosis and medication details for the person as specified by the GP or medical practitioner sign the form to confirm that you have sighted documentation relating to the diagnosis. It is important to make sure all contact details for the person—including email, address and phone number—are provided so the person receives prompt access to NDSS services and subsidised products. Once the form has been certified it can be lodged by email (preferred option), or by the methods described in the form. Syringe or Pen Needle Access form This form allows a person who is already registered with the NDSS—but hasn’t before used an injectable diabetes medication (insulin, or an approved non-insulin injectable medication (such as Victoza®))—to access syringes or pen needles through the NDSS. How is the Syringe or Pen Needle Access form certified? To certify this form, simply: complete the ‘Certifier’ section of the form—including the injectable diabetes medication and the date the person will first use this medication sign the form to confirm that the person named on the form needs access to syringes or pen needles as they have been prescribed insulin or an approved non-insulin injectable diabetes medication by their GP or medical practitioner. Once the form has been certified it can be lodged by the person with diabetes at their pharmacy, also known as a NDSS Access Point, or by the methods described in the form.
