Proposal - Prescribing authority
Whakamārama | Background
Te Kaunihera Manapou | Paramedic Council (Te Kaunihera) is a responsible authority, which regulates paramedics in Aotearoa New Zealand. We do this under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act).
Te Kaunihera is exploring the introduction of designated prescribing authority for paramedics in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If this proposal goes ahead, only registered paramedics who complete an approved postgraduate prescribing qualification, along with other requirements would be able to prescribe medicines.
Key points:
Te Kaunihera is exploring the introduction of designated prescribing authority for paramedics in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If this proposal goes ahead, only registered paramedics who complete an approved postgraduate prescribing qualification, along with other requirements would be able to prescribe medicines.
Key points:
- Eligible paramedics would be registered paramedics who have completed approved education and training requirements.
- What can be prescribed? A Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health approved list of medicines relevant to paramedic practice.
- Prescribing would occur within each practitioner’s scope of practice and in collaboration with other health professionals.
- All prescribing would take place under clear governance, accountability, and documentation standards to ensure safety and quality.
This consultation is not seeking feedback on the specific medicines list. Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health will develop and consult separately on the list once the regulatory framework is established.
Where can you find more resources and more information?
The kōrerorero tahi | consultation can be found on our website here.
Feedback and submissions
Te Kaunihera is committed to collaboration and engagement and welcomes responses to this consultation from paramedics, employers, educators, ākonga | students, members of the public, and other stakeholders to share their insights to help Te Kaunihera make informed decisions. Your feedback is vital, and we welcome your thoughts.
The consultation will close on Rātū, te 20 Hānuere 2026 | Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
At the close of the consultation period, Te Kaunihera will carefully review all feedback using the information received to make informed decisions. Decisions will be shared via a consultation response document.