Proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines lists under the Medicines (Designated Pharmacist—Prescribers) Regulations 2013

Proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines lists under the Medicines (Designated Pharmacist—Prescribers) Regulations 2013

The Ministry of Health wants to hear your feedback on the proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines list for designated pharmacist prescribers.

The current schedule of prescription medicines came into effect in May 2022. Since then, new medicines have become available in New Zealand, to which wider access would benefit patients. The schedule needs to be amended to reflect these additional medicines. The Pharmacy Council has recommended a list of medicines it considers appropriate for designated pharmacist prescribers.

It is important to the Ministry of Health that we hear from the public and organisations such as your own during this process. On behalf of the Director-General, we are opening a consultation period for anyone who may be affected by the change to the lists of medicines. Once this period of consultation has closed, a legal change will be made by Gazette notice as specified in section 105E(1) of the Medicines Act 1981.

Please submit your feedback on the proposed amendments by 17 October 2025.

Link to consultation hub

Please feel free to disseminate amongst your members / organisation or people who may be interested in providing feedback.

Please note. This is one of two separate consultations: one on pharmacist prescribers’ and the other on registered nurse prescribers’ specified prescription medicines lists. Each has been notified separately, so you may receive separate requests for the separate consultations.

Any specific questions regarding the proposed prescription medicines for designated pharmacist prescribers should be directed to Pharmacy Council.

Thank you for your time and feedback.

Ngā mihi nui

Dr Martin Chadwick (he/him) 

Te Āpiha Hauora Haumi | Chief Allied Health Professions Officer