Consultation on developing a specified prescription medicines list for designated paramedic prescribers

Overview

The Ministry of Health is inviting submissions on a proposed list of prescription medicines for designated paramedic prescribers.

Designated prescribing authority is the legal framework used by non-medical prescribers, such as dietitian prescribers, registered nurse prescribers, pharmacist prescribers, and podiatrist prescribers.

Under the Medicines Act 1981, designated prescribers may only prescribe medicines from a specified prescription medicines list.

The Ministry, on behalf of the Director-General of Health, must consult with those people or organisations that may be affected by the development of a specified prescription medicines list before making a legal change by a notice in the New Zealand Gazette.

This consultation enables you to provide feedback on the proposed medicines, or to propose medicines that have not been referenced.

View the proposed medicine list

• Proposed medicines list (Appendix 1) (pdf, 209 KB)
• Proposed medicines list (Appendix 1) (docx, 60 KB)

Please submit your feedback on the proposed amendments by 11:59 pm on Sunday 5 July 2026.

Note: Designated prescribers must meet specified qualifications, competence and training requirements set by their responsible authority. While the Ministry is consulting now, paramedic prescribers can only begin prescribing once the Paramedic Council of New Zealand completes all preparatory steps and legislative requirements.

View the full consultation document

• Consultation on Developing a Specified Prescription Medicines List for Designated Paramedic Prescribers (pdf, 512 KB)
• Consultation on Developing a Specified Prescription Medicines List for Designated Paramedic Prescribers (docx, 440 KB)