Legislative changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (MODA) which came into force on 31 January 2018 allow for suitably qualified health practitioners to prescribe controlled drugs for the purposes of treating addiction (opioid substitution treatment or OST). This section has been added to MODA, with the purpose of making best use of our available workforce and increasing access to services.
Prescribing Controlled Drugs in Addiction Treatment: Guidance for nurse practitioners, designated prescriber nurses and designated prescriber pharmacists provides guidance to help addiction treatment services comply with section 24A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (MODA) as it relates to nurse practitioners, designated prescriber nurses and designated prescriber pharmacists.
Services must use the current New Zealand Practice Guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment 2014 alongside this guidance.
The New Zealand Practice Guidelines for Opioid Substitution Treatment 2014 contain practical and evidence-based advice for clinicians on best practice for clinically assessing and treating clients with opioid dependence. The 2014 guidelines apply to all health practitioners prescribing controlled drugs for opioid dependence.
This new guidance document outlines the roles and responsibilities specific to nurse practitioners, designated prescriber nurses and designated prescriber pharmacists who are prescribing. It also covers any deviations from the 2014 guidelines.