Proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines lists under the Medicines (Designated Prescribers—Registered Nurses) Regulations 2016 & Schedule 1A of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977

The Ministry of Health wants to hear your feedback on proposed amendments to the lists of specified prescription medicines and controlled drugs for designated registered nurse prescribers in primary health and specialty teams.

The current schedule of prescription medicines came into effect in August 2024. 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 Nursing Council has recommended a list of medicines it considers appropriate for designated registered nurse prescribers in primary health and specialty teams.

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 specified list of prescription 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 registered nurse prescribers’ and the other on pharmacist 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 or controlled drugs for designated registered nurse prescribers should be addressed to Nursing Council.

Thank you for your time and feedback.

Ngā mihi nui

Lorraine Hetaraka  

Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Arawa