NZRGPN Press Release, November 28, 2013. For immediate use
Bill’s amendment ‘good news’ for rural communities
The passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill allowing Nurse Practitioners to be authorised
prescribers within their scope of practice is appropriate recognition of their skills and training, and
good news for patients in rural communities, the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network says.
“It is great to see Nurse Practitioners in primary care having a greater access to prescribing,” says
Network chairperson Dr Jo Scott-Jones.
“Nurse Practitioners who have achieved the ability to prescribe in their training have undertaken a
significant amount of study and supervised practice, which will ground them in the concepts of
safety and effectiveness that underpin appropriate prescribing to the undifferentiated patient in
primary care.
“This extension of prescribing rights is an appropriate step in acknowledgement of the expert nature
of the role and responsibilities that Nurse Practitioners fill.
“Rural primary care services remain at significant strain due to the continued pressure of attracting
health professionals into rural areas, the ability of Nurse Practitioners to prescribe more freely can
only be good news for patients in the communities where they serve.”
Network deputy chairperson and Temuka-based Nurse Practitioner Sharon Hansen says the
Medicines Amendment Bill is a good start to overcoming legislative barriers that hinder Nurse
Practitioners working to the top of their scope of practice in the communities they serve.
"The restrictions placed on Nurse Practitioner prescribing have been an ongoing source of
frustration and have been a significant barrier for patients in their care, who have required
controlled medications.
“Nurse Practitioners are expert nurses who have undertaken a clinical Master’s degree and passed a
further portfolio and oral examination to be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand as
Nurse Practitioners.
“It is heartening to see that there is support and recognition for the work that Nurse Practitioners
undertake in their respective communities. There are still legislative barriers that require change,
however the Medicines Amendment Bill is a very good start".
For more information or comment contact Network chairperson Dr Jo Scott-Jones on 027
475 0488. Or contact Network deputy chairperson Sharon Hansen on 021 189 4391.
Background/note to editors:
The Medicines Amendment Bill passed its final reading in the House on Friday (November 22).
The new law modernises the definitions of medicine, medical device, and therapeutic purpose by:
Amending the medicines approval process to make the legislation less prescriptive and instead uses
regulations to specify detail
Amending the prescribing framework to name nurse practitioners and optometrists as authorised
prescribers. This will align their prescribing rights with those of medical practitioners, dentists and
midwives by enabling them to prescribe all medicines appropriate to their scope of practice.
Adding a new prescribing category of “delegated prescriber” who will be allowed to prescribe under
a ‘delegated prescribing order’ issued by an authorised prescriber.
Associate Minister of Health Todd McClay welcomed the passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill
2011. The Bill streamlines the current Medicines Act 1981 and is an interim measure until such time
as the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill is passed.