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Paramedics to Get Prescribing Rights, Easing ER Pressure

6/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced paramedics will become designated prescribers under the Medicines Act 1981.
The new authority is expected to ease pressure on emergency departments.
Paramedics currently operate under standing orders from authorised prescribers, which the minister says creates unnecessary administrative burden.
The Ministry of Health is consulting on which medicines will be included in the new prescribing authority.

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Story summary

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced paramedics will become designated prescribers under the Medicines Act 1981.
The new authority is expected to ease pressure on emergency departments.
Paramedics currently operate under standing orders from authorised prescribers, which the minister says creates unnecessary administrative burden.
The Ministry of Health is consulting on which medicines will be included in the new prescribing authority.