New Law Empowers Pharmacists to Prescribe, Eases GP Workload

A new law in New Zealand will enable more pharmacists to prescribe medications, a move anticipated to alleviate some of the pressure on general practitioners (GPs). The legislation, which comes into effect on February 1, 2024, allows pharmacists who own or invest in a pharmacy to apply for prescribing authority. Currently, approximately 100 pharmacist prescribers operate in various settings, including GP clinics, hospices, and hospitals.

Industry leaders, however, caution that the transition to this new prescribing model may not be immediate. Clive Cannons, chair of the Independent Pharmacy Group and owner of Clive’s Chemist in Wainuiomata, noted that there will be additional training and competency requirements for pharmacists before they can begin prescribing. “There will definitely be a lag before it becomes operational,” he stated.

Cannons views the reform as a significant advancement for the pharmacy profession. He believes it will empower pharmacists to manage common conditions, thereby allowing GPs to concentrate on more complex cases. “Many issues—like strep throat, skin and ear infections—can be safely managed in pharmacies. That frees up GPs to focus on more complex cases. And when something is outside our scope, we’ll refer patients back to their doctor,” he explained.

In addition to granting prescribing authority, the new law will facilitate 12-month prescriptions for patients. This change could potentially save individuals up to $105 annually in GP fees. Despite this positive development, there will still be a $5 per-item prescription charge that applies every three months.

Concerns have been raised about the implications of these 12-month prescriptions. Dr. Angus Chambers, chair of the General Practice Owners Association and a GP in Christchurch, emphasized the complexities associated with safe prescribing. He cautioned that a full-year prescription is not always suitable. “Some medications require regular monitoring,” he noted. “Sometimes patients need a six-monthly, yearly, or two-yearly review. Every three-month prescription renewal triggers important checks—blood tests, recalls, specialist letters—there’s a lot of housekeeping involved.”

Chambers expressed concern that the public might expect 12-month prescriptions as the norm, which could create pressure on doctors and their staff when they must decline such requests for safety reasons. The evolution of the pharmacist’s role in prescribing is seen as a positive change, but it will require careful management to ensure patient safety and maintain the quality of care.

As the healthcare landscape in New Zealand shifts, both pharmacists and GPs will need to adapt to these new responsibilities and expectations. The upcoming changes present an opportunity to enhance healthcare delivery, but they also highlight the need for ongoing dialogue between healthcare professionals to ensure that patient care remains the top priority.