STANDARDS FOR PRACTICE Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Nurse Specialists 2026 3rd Edition
Abstract
The Movement Disorder Chapter (MDC) of the Australasian Neuroscience Nurses’ Association (ANNA) was established in 2016 in response to the growing scope of this nursing specialty. This chapter recognised the need to build upon the existing ANNA Professional Standards for Neuroscience Nurses (2021) to more clearly define and acknowledge the role of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Nurse Specialist (PDMDNS).
The first edition of the Standards for Practice for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Nurse Specialists (PDMDNS) was developed specifically for Australian nurses. The second edition expands its scope to include New Zealand nurses, reflecting the inclusion of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act (HPCAA). This is a significant and exciting development for the specialty, and it is anticipated that further revisions will be required as the field continues to evolve.
The third edition review of this document is being led predominantly by Nurse Practitioners (NP), reflecting the chapter’s evolution and the increasing expertise in advanced practice clinicians. This shift will contribute to the establishment of updated and comprehensive standards for practice, ensuring that they reflect the continued development and specialisation within the field.
© 2026 David Tsui, published by Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association
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