Safe Access to Opioids

Overview

Manatū Hauora seeks your feedback on a range of options to ensure safe access to opioids for people who need them.

Following recent changes in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations that increased the maximum amount of Class B controlled drugs that could be prescribed at one time, there has been some concern over the effectiveness of the controls intended to manage people’s safe access to opioids.

The Ministry reviewed these controls to see if they are fit for purpose, in both managing the risk of opioid misuse and ensuring appropriate patient access to these medicines. The review found some gaps in existing controls that may be increasing the risk of opioid harm. Some of these gaps could be addressed by regulatory change, but there are also opportunities for system improvements .

The engagement document sets out possible approaches to regulation and options for system improvements that could support regulation. We want to ensure that those who need prescription opioids have reasonable access to them while maintaining appropriate controls to mitigate their risk of harm to the public.

These options and your feedback on them will be used to inform the Ministry of Health’s advice to Ministers on addressing the risks of harm from unsafe access to opioids.

How to have your say

You can make your submission using this online tool

There will also be an opportunity to provide additional feedback at a web-hui on Wed 22 March 2023 5.30pm-6.30pm or Tue 28 March 2023 7.30pm – 8.30pm.

If you wish to register your interest in attending the web-hui, or receiving the findings from this engagement, please email safeopioiduse@health.govt.nz by 20 March 2023.

Please ensure you have read the Engagement Paper – Safe Access to Opioids before beginning your submission.