Under the new rules, paramedics will be able to prescribe certain medicines to patients. Photo / Mike Scott
Paramedics will soon be able to prescribe certain medicines to the public - helping to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments.
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today that changes will be made to enable paramedics to become designated prescribers under the Medicines Act 1981.
“Currently, paramedics rely on standing orders from authorised prescribers, meaning they can administer certain medicines, but cannot prescribe them,” he said.
“This approach is inflexible, creates unnecessary administrative burden and no longer reflects the modern role paramedics play in delivering patient care.”
Exactly which medicines they will be able to prescribe is now being consulted on by the Ministry of Health.
Included on the list will be medicines for common infections or minor conditions - such as respiratory or ear infections - and routine or repeat medications for common conditions such as asthma inhalers, diabetes medications and pain relief.
The list may also include medicines that are controlled drugs.
Brown said giving paramedics the ability to prescribe medicines will allow them to provide more complete care when it is clinically appropriate, rather than transferring patients to a hospital emergency department, for example, just to get a prescription.
“This will be particularly beneficial for people living in rural and remote areas.”
The minister said the change is part of the Government’s broader focus on making better use of the country’s skilled health workforce to improve access to healthcare.
“These changes will help reduce pressure on emergency departments and hospitals, support more care in the community and ensure patients receive the treatment they need sooner,” Brown said.
“We are focused on building the future of our healthcare system and enabling paramedics to prescribe medicines is an important part of that.”
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