Pharmaceutical Schedule Rules on prescribing and dispensing of Class B controlled drugs
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Changes to Schedule funding rules for class b controlled drugs are on hold.
Manatū Hauora is re-consulting
Concerns were raised over the effectiveness of the controls to manage people’s safe access to opioids, following the recent changes to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.
The Ministry reviewed the controls and did find some gaps. Their consultation document sets out possible approaches to regulation and options for system improvements that could support regulation.
Your feedback is vital. Consultation closes on 31 March 2023.
Safe access to opioids consultation - Ministry of Health(external link)
Background
In November 2022, we consulted on a proposal to amend the Pharmaceutical Schedule General Rules (the Schedule Rules) to bring funding in line with legislative changes to the prescribing and dispensing of controlled drugs.
In light of the feedback on this proposal, Manatū Hauora, the Ministry of Health, revisited the regulatory arrangements for opioids. They asked Pharmac to delay making a decision on the proposed changes to the Schedule Rules to support this work.
What this means
Although the legislative changes came into effect on 22 December 2022, the Schedule Rules on prescribing and dispensing of Class B controlled drugs have not changed, and only a quantity sufficient to provide treatment for a period of up to 1 month in total will be subsidised.
Manatū Hauora has stated that prescribers are still required to operate within the limits of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.