To use electronic prescriptions (eScripts) in Australia, healthcare providers must register for specific identifiers and accounts. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• A Healthcare Provider Identifier – Organisation (HPI-O)

• A Healthcare Provider Identifier – Individual (HPI-I)

• A Prescriber Number

Note: Podiatrists can issue private prescriptions and are not required to use electronic prescribing systems, so eScripts are not mandatory for them.

Below is an overview of each required identifier and system.

An HPI-O (Healthcare Provider Identifier – Organisation) is a unique identifier for a healthcare organisation, such as a medical clinic or practice. It is used to identify the organisation in electronic health transactions, including eScripts and My Health Record.

Any organisation that provides healthcare services and is legally recognised as a healthcare provider in Australia can apply. This includes:

• General practices

• Specialist medical clinics

• Allied health organisations

• Telehealth providers

• Day hospitals and outpatient centres

You do not need to be a medical professional to apply for an HPI-O. However, your business must be eligible and have the appropriate registration and documentation.

Business documentation required

To register for an HPI-O, your organisation must be listed in the Australian Business Register (ABR) with one of the following recognised business structures:

• Sole Trader (with healthcare service delivery as a business activity)

• Company (Pty Ltd or Ltd)

• Partnership

• Trust (with an ABN and clearly linked to healthcare delivery)

Additionally, you’ll need:

• ABN (Australian Business Number)

• Business Name that reflects healthcare services

• Proof of legal entity, such as an ASIC company extract or trust deed (if applicable)

The HI Service may request evidence that your organisation provides healthcare—this can include a website link, service listing, Medicare provider numbers attached to the business, or a written statement explaining your healthcare operations.

During HPI-O registration, you must nominate an RO at a minimum in PRODA:

The RO is the legally authorised representative of your organisation. They are responsible for:

• Attesting to the accuracy of your organisation’s details

• Approving the organisation’s registration in PRODA

• Appointing OMOs

The RO must:

• Be the business owner, company director, or trustee

• Be listed in the ABR as an authorised associate

• Create a PRODA account and link it to the business

• Complete identity verification

In a medical clinic, the RO might be the practice owner, business manager, or director—even if they are not a healthcare provider.

The OMO manages ongoing access and updates for government services like the HI Service, My Health Record, and ePrescribing.

OMOs can:

• Update organisation details in PRODA

• Link the organisation to health services (e.g. HPOS, HI Service)

• Register and maintain HPI-O records

An OMO must:

• Also have a PRODA account

• Be authorised by the RO

• Be an appropriate representative (e.g. practice manager, IT manager, admin staff)

You can nominate multiple OMOs to support ongoing admin and integration tasks.

➡️ Step-by-step instructions:

👉 How to register for an HPI-O in PRODA