Bill’s amendment ‘good news’ for rural communities

Bill’s amendment ‘good news’ for rural communities

The passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill allowing Nurse Practitioners to be authorised prescribers within their scope of practice is appropriate recognition of their skills and training, and good news for patients in rural communities, the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network says.

“It is great to see Nurse Practitioners in primary care having a greater access to prescribing,” says Network chairperson Dr Jo Scott-Jones.

“Nurse Practitioners who have achieved the ability to prescribe in their training have undertaken a significant amount of study and supervised practice, which will ground them in the concepts of safety and effectiveness that underpin appropriate prescribing to the undifferentiated patient in primary care.

“This extension of prescribing rights is an appropriate step in acknowledgement of the expert nature of the role and responsibilities that Nurse Practitioners fill.

“Rural primary care services remain at significant strain due to the continued pressure of attracting health professionals into rural areas, the ability of Nurse Practitioners to prescribe more freely can only be good news for patients in the communities where they serve.”

Network deputy chairperson and Temuka-based Nurse Practitioner Sharon Hansen says the Medicines Amendment Bill is a good start to overcoming legislative barriers that hinder Nurse Practitioners working to the top of their scope of practice in the communities they serve.

"The restrictions placed on Nurse Practitioner prescribing have been an ongoing source of frustration and have been a significant barrier for patients in their care, who have required controlled medications.

“Nurse Practitioners are expert nurses who have undertaken a clinical Master’s degree and passed a further portfolio and oral examination to be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand as Nurse Practitioners.

“It is heartening to see that there is support and recognition for the work that Nurse Practitioners undertake in their respective communities. There are still legislative barriers that require change, however the Medicines Amendment Bill is a very good start".
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