<< Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ for GPs/Prescribers

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Can prescribers make Special Authority applications online?

Yes – please contact HealthPAC Special Authorities on 0800 243 666 for information on set up.

I am an overseas GP newly arrived in New Zealand and want to know where to find guidance on the best drugs to use in particular circumstances.

Please refer to the New Zealand Guidelines Group website.

Adalimumab – why is there a patient declaration form on the back of the Special Authority form?

It is independent of the granting of a Special Authority and a data collection mechanism for the Arthritis Register. Personal details are not disclosed. Information could be collected without seeking consent, but this measure is being taken to be transparent.

How does a new medical practice become designated ‘Rural’ for the purpose of Practitioners Supply Orders (PSOs)?

The Rural Ranking Scale is determined by the Ministry of Health. The Pharmaceutical Schedule (Section E, Part II: Rural Areas) lists the rural areas that have a medical practice and is based on the Ministry of Health Rural Ranking Scale.

Please clarify Bulk Supply Orders (BSOs) and Practitioner’s Supply Orders (PSOs)

• BSOs are only subsidised for licensed hospitals.
• PSOs are a mechanism for prescribers to obtain subsidised medicines for emergency use, and teaching and demonstration purposes. A practitioner may order only those medicines listed in Section E, Part I of the Pharmaceutical Schedule and only the quantities stated. Rural Area PSO’s may order a wider range of medicines if all the conditions of the Pharmaceutical Schedule are met.
• Controlled drugs may be obtained via BSO and PSO – but they must be ordered on a controlled drug form (See Misuse of Drugs Legislation – Regulation 15).
• Can order up to one month’s supply on a BSO but may order what would reasonably be expected to be used in a month – note that you may be asked to justify your order.
• Special Authority pharmaceuticals cannot be obtain via a PSO or BSO as it would be impossible for required criteria to be met.

Where can I find out about the regulations for importing and exporting pharmaceuticals?

Via Medsafe (part of the Ministry of Health) on 04 496 2000, or visit its website.

How can prescribers find out if a Special Authority has been processed? How can I get a CHEM number?

Contact HealthPAC, who process Special Authority applications, on 0800 243 666.

Where can Practitioners Supply Order (PSO) (MPSO), Wholesale Supply Order (WSO) and Bulk Supply Order (BSO) forms be obtained from?

They are available from Wickliffe Ltd on 0800 259 138. Reorder numbers:

• WSO - 82363
• PSO - 74169
• BSO - 82375

I am a midwife. How do I find out which pharmaceuticals I can prescribe?

Contact the New Zealand College of Midwives on 64 3 377 2732.

Who can I talk to about the PHARMAC Seminar Series?

• Kyle Reid
• Jayne Watkins on 04 916 7553; or
• Natalie Corkery, Dazzle (event management company) on 04 494 5166.

Where can I obtain copies of the Pharmaceutical Schedule and its Updates?

The Pharmaceutical Schedule, Updates and Section H are available on the PHARMAC website.

Who should I contact with queries about Special Authority?

For queries regarding a Special Authority approval for a specific patient, or accessing the electronic SA system, contact sahealthpac@hpac.govt.nz.

If your query is in relation to the criteria for a specific medicine it should go to Jessica Nisbet.

Page updated on 09 Apr 2008