On 4 December 2025, the director general of health published a new Gazette notice listing the prescription medicines registered nurses prescribing in primary health and specialty teams (registered nurse prescribers) are permitted to prescribe (the medicine list). Overall, the new medicines list extends the availability of medicines that nurses are able to prescribe. The list has been extended by an additional 202 medicines.
The Nursing Council has also revised the guidance for registered nurse prescribing in primary health and specialty teams to support safe and effective prescribing. This updated guidance is available here (PDF).
All registered nurse prescribers are expected to keep up to date with changes to medicines and safe prescribing practice by using clinical guidance such as Health Pathways, antimicrobial guidelines, the New Zealand Formulary, Medsafe Prescriber Updates and the Community Pharmaceutical Schedule.
A recent audit of prescription errors across 68 pharmacies in Te Manawa Taki highlights the vital role pharmacists play in keeping patients safe. In his latest blog post, Dr Jo Scott-Jones reflects on the findings and shares key takeaways for general practice teams on reducing errors and improving communication.
Read moreTe Kaunihera Manapou | Paramedic Council is consulting on the potential introduction of designated prescribing authority for paramedics in Aotearoa New Zealand. Under the proposal, only registered paramedics who complete an approved postgraduate prescribing qualification, and meet additional requirements, would be able to prescribe medicines. A strong response to the consultation will help capture the full range of views on paramedic prescribing.
Read moreThis programme provides funding for Aclasta infusions for eligible patients. The infusion is to be provided in the community by the patient’s general practice.
View detailsThe PEP Talk in July 2020 on polypharmacy challenged us to identify actions we would take to help reduce the burden of medications on our populations.