12 month prescribing

Prescribers will decide what prescription length is clinically appropriate for each patient. This could be a shorter or longer period, depending on individual needs.

These changes, along with updates to IT systems (including PMS and pharmacy systems), are expected to be in place by early 2026.

Pinnacle held two meetings for prescribers in late October to discuss the upcoming legislative changes. (Webinar recording and presentation slides linked below).

Key discussion points included:

• potential eligibility criteria for patients
• balancing clinical risk with increased access, ensuring an equity lens is applied
• the importance of a consistent approach across the practice, including updating the repeat prescribing policy and establishing an audit process
• the possibility of trialling the approach with a smaller group of patients for a shorter period (e.g. 9 months).

Next steps for practices

• Begin discussions about which patients may be eligible for longer prescriptions.
• Start drafting or updating your repeat prescribing policy in preparation for implementation.
• Download poster (linked below) to print and display in practice, if you choose to.

Resources

• A poster has been developed (PDF) for display within your practice.
• The RNZCGP has developed a position statement.

This page will be updated as more information and resources become available.