Director-General of Health extends temporary authorisation for unsigned prescriptions
Health New Zealand –Te Whatu Ora have advised the temporary exemption for signatures on prescriptions without New Zealand electronic Prescription Service (NZePS) (prescriptions without a barcode) has been extended until 31 October 2027.
For community and hospital prescribers that do not use a system which integrates with the NZePS, the Director-General of Health has authorised an alternative form of prescription that is not signed personally by a prescriber with their usual signature if they meet certain conditions, ensuring identification of the authorised prescriber and the healthcare facility.
The Director-General’s authorisation of an alternative form of prescription is made pursuant to regulation 43 of the Medicines Regulations 1984.
More information can be found on the Health NZ website.
Health NZ | Temporary authorisation for unsigned prescriptions