Submissions close Sunday, 5 July 2026 11:59pm.
The Ministry of Health is inviting submissions on a proposed list of prescription medicines for designated paramedic prescribers.
This follows approval by the Government of a proposal to grant designated prescribing authority to paramedics under the Medicines Act 1981. See Paramedics to be able to prescribe medicines.
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.
View the full consultation document
Make a submission on the proposed medicines list
Please submit your feedback on the proposed amendments by 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.
Publishing information
- Publication date
- Citation
Ministry of Health. 2026. Consultation on Developing a Specified Prescription Medicines List for Designated Paramedic Prescribers. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
- ISBN
- 978-1-991324-86-3 (online)
- HP number
- 9172
