Changes to Prescribing Guidelines
Information regarding changes in prescription guidelines
You may have seen recently that the NZ Government has announced a new budget initiative to extend maximum prescription length from three months to 12 months. This is expected to come into effect February 1st 2026.
At Straven Medical, our focus is on providing high-quality, safe, and appropriate care. All our GPs follow the Medical Council’s Good Prescribing Practice and align with recommendations from both the Medical Council and the Pharmacy Council. We wanted to explain what this means for you and how it may affect your ongoing care with your General Practitioner (GP).
What this means for your prescriptions
While the government is increasing the maximum allowable prescription length, this does not mean all patients will automatically receive a 12-month supply.
Going forward Straven Medical will continue to require six monthly reviews unless the GP deems it to be clinically appropriate for a longer prescribing period after a discussion with you.
If you wish to discuss this with your GP please book a face-to-face appointment
Which medicines might be eligible?
The Ministry of Health has signalled these changes are intended for stable, long-term medicines, such as those for asthma or contraceptives. Controlled drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulant medications (including ADHD treatments) will continue to follow the stricter legal limits under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. The purpose for this clinic policy aligns with the position of The Royal College of General Practitioners to ensure that risk for patients is managed in monitoring for side effects or complications, confirming medication effectiveness, picking up any changes in health early, and supporting preventative care to keep you well long term.
A note about ADHD prescribing
As part of the upcoming changes, specialist and trained GPs will be permitted to initiate an ADHD diagnosis and begin ADHD medication after a full assessment. At this time, none of our GPs have the specialist training or experience required to diagnose ADHD or safely begin ADHD medication.
However, we want to reassure you that you will still be fully supported. We can:
• Ensure you are placed on the correct referral pathways for ADHD assessment and initiation
• Provide guidance around local community and support groups
• Work collaboratively with specialists involved in your care
• Continue prescribing your ADHD medication once a specialist has started and stabilised your treatment