NHMRC’s Guideline Approval Program
The National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 gives the NHMRC Chief Executive Officer the power to approve guidelines developed by an external body. These are known as NHMRC approved guidelines.
To be approved, a guideline must meet the NHMRC guideline standard and follow the Procedures and requirements for meeting the NHMRC standard for guidelines.
Benefits
NHMRC approved guidelines:
- indicate to users that a guideline is of high quality, is based on the best available scientific evidence, and has been developed to rigorous standards.
- are recognised in Australia and internationally as representing current knowledge and best health practice.
Guidelines that can qualify for NHMRC approval
Guidelines are eligible for approval if they are developed for use throughout Australia by a recognised health organisation such as a college, peak body, professional society, special interest group or government. NHMRC will not approve guidelines developed, published or funded by industry groups, or by organisations whose main source of funding is derived from industry groups.
If you are planning an evidence-based guideline contact clinicalguidelines@nhmrc.gov.au. NHMRC has a nationwide network of guideline developers which can offer support, training and advice.
Third party guidelines on NHMRC's approval program
The following guidelines are currently being developed by external bodies and will be considered for approval by NHMRC Council and the CEO. Please note that as these guidelines are in development the expected submission date could change.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Guidelines
Developer: University of Queensland
Expected Submission Date: February 2025
The Implementation of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Australia and New Zealand
Developer: Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Working Group (under the auspices of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia)
Expected Submission Date: March 2025
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management
Developer: Stroke Foundation
Expected Submission Date: Regular updates expected – next in March 2025
Australian Postnatal Care Guidelines
Developer: Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal care (LEAPP) consortium
Expected Submission Date: Regular updates expected – next in March 2025
Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines
Developer: Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal care (LEAPP) consortium
Expected Submission Date: Regular updates expected – next in March 2025
Australian Living Guideline for the Pharmacological Management of Inflammatory Arthritis
Developer: Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network
Expected Submission Date: Regular updates expected – next in August 2025
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity for Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia
Developer: Deakin University
Expected Submission Date: August 2025
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Psychosocial Disorders in Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Developer: University of Tasmania
Expected Submission Date: August 2025
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing and Early Management of Test-detected Prostate Cancer
Developer: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Expected Submission Date: August 2025
Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care
Developer: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Expected Submission Date: November 2025
Conservative Management of Non-Specific Neck Pain
Developer: University of Adelaide
Expected Submission Date: November 2025
Australian and New Zealand living guidelines in chronic kidney disease
Developer: Caring for Australian and New Zealanders with kidney Impairment (CARI)
Expected Submission Date: November 2025 followed by regular updates
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Psychedelics for Mental Health Conditions
Developer: Monash University
Expected Submission Date: November 2025
Australian Immunisation Handbook
Developer: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)
Expected Submission Date: Regular updates expected – next in November 2025
Evidence Supported Clinical Guidelines for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Developer: St Vincent’s and Mater Health
Expected Submission Date: 2026
Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for People with Dementia (Update)
Developer: Monash University
Expected Submission Date: 2026
Australian Motor Neurone Disease Guideline
Developer: The Adelaide GRADE Centre, University of Adelaide supported by FightMND
Expected Submission Date: 2026
Evidence-Based Guideline for Deprescribing Gabapentinoids
Developer: University of Sydney
Expected Submission Date: 2027
Australian Living Guideline for the Management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Developer: Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network
Expected Submission Date: Regular updates expected