Medical Forum
'Only doctors are trained to undertake the full scope of medical functions' - AMA
The AMA has firmly reiterated that doctors are the only practitioners trained to autonomously undertake functions such as prescribing, as it outlines its updated 'role of the doctor'.
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Medical Forum
The first update to its related position statement in 15 years comes as the debate over scope of practice continues.
The 2026 version contains a number of references to key themes of the Scope of Practice Review (Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce review).
It also takes into account artificial intelligence and algorithmic clinical tools, digital misinformation and online health trends, standardised guidelines on out-of-pocket medical costs and formal informed financial consent frameworks.
The position statement directly references scope of practice across a number of points - something that is consistently being debated among representative health bodies as pharmacists and nurses look to expand their working powers.
“Diagnosis of undifferentiated illness, prescribing, and clinical risk management are medical functions performed by doctors. Other clinicians contribute their expertise within clinically governed teams,” the position statement states.
"Only doctors are trained and certified to autonomously undertake the full scope of medical functions. Independent access to MBS/PBS outside collaborative arrangements risks fragmented care, delayed diagnosis, and adverse medication events."
The AMA has been critical of pharmacy-led prescribing and has raised several concerns about the Pharmacy Board of Australia's bid to endorse pharmacists to prescribe restricted medicines.
In it's latest position statement it defined core medical tasks such as diagnosing unknown or undifferentiated conditions and managing Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 drugs, as exclusive medical functions that should only be supported by other clinicians within a doctor-led team.
It also reiterated the importance of clear boundaries on who can and cannot call themselves a doctor.
"Doctors have a responsibility to accurately convey their qualifications and training, so patients are able to clearly identify whether the person providing their clinical care is a medical practitioner.
"All health providers (individuals and employers) clearly identify their role, qualifications and training. Misuse or dilution of the title 'doctor' in clinical settings compromises safety and trust."
"There is no substitute for the extensive knowledge of clinical science and the range of clinical skills that underpin medical practice."
Upon release of the statement AMA President Danielle McMullen said Australians deserved doctors who can listen, assess the whole picture, make a diagnosis, manage risk, and take responsibility for the outcome.
“At a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, patients need someone they can trust to explain what the evidence shows and what it means for them,” she said.
“That trust is earned through years of medical education, supervised training, and ongoing professional development.
“Healthcare is a team effort, but patients should never be left wondering who is responsible for diagnosing their condition, coordinating their care, and managing clinical risk. Doctors have a unique role in the health system, and that role remains central to delivering safe, high-quality patient care.”