Abstract
ABSTRACT Problem The Non-Medical Surgical Assistant role has been practised in Australia for over 30 years. Despite this, the role remains unregulated, and government policy does not offer a rebate for the private surgical patient when the surgical assistant is not a Medical Practitioner. Aim To investigate the legitimacy; as outlined by Donabedian; of the Nurse Practitioner performing the role of the surgical assistant in Australia. Methods Examination of peak professional bodies’ guidelines, opinions of other service providers, Australian Government policy and the Australian law. Findings While not reflected in Government policy, the Nurse Practitioner is a legitimate and lawful provider of intraoperative surgical assisting care in Australia. Discussion The Medical Benefits Schedule does not reflect contemporary, evidence-based practise or the law concerning the Nurse Practitioner undertaking the role of a surgical assistant, this causes the patient an out of pocket expense or reduced access to care. Conclusion The Australian Nurse Practitioner is a legitimate and lawful provider of these services.
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