NCNZ Comparison of the three nurse prescribing models in NZ

The differences in the three nurse prescribing tiers highlighting the different roles and the requirements to achieve prescribing rights.

Tapuhi kua rēhitatia tūtohu i te hauora hapori - Registered nurse prescribing in community health (RNPCH)

Registered nurses practicing in community health (RNPCH) settings must complete a work-based education programme before they can apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) for prescribing authority for a limited number of medicines for minor ailments and illnesses in normally healthy people without significant health problems.

• Are able to prescribe from a limited formulary within the registered nurse competence and area of practice.
• Registered nurses practicing in community health settings can complete a work-based education programme and apply for prescribing authority for a limited number of medicines for minor ailments and illnesses in normally healthy people without significant co-morbidities. More information from NCNZ can be found on the Nursing Council webiste.

Requirements for designated prescribers in community health

• The RNPCH will be prescribing for normally healthy people using decision support tools, current best practice information and with the support of colleagues.
• The Council has provided guidance on the scope of this prescribing authority below.

Scope of practice

• Must be credentialed on a recertification programme for RNPCH.
• RNPCH will be prescribing using clinical pathways/guidelines, current best practice information and with the support of prescribing clinical colleagues.
• The Midlands Collaborative Designated RNPCH programme is a NCNZ approved recertification programme.
• The Nursing Council of New Zealand has provided guidance on the scope of this prescribing role. More information on the programme can be found on our website. 

Delivery and qualification requirements

• Requires completion of a NZNC approved recertification programme which includes education, supervision in practice and credentialling.
• Level 7 study - Not post graduate level - assessed via online portfolio submission.
• Course delivered virtually via evening Zoom sessions and Ko Awatea eLearning modules.
• Supported by programme nurse leads and workplace prescribing clinical supervisor.
• Also requires submission of evidence to comply with 3 yearly recertification requirements.

Designated Registered Nurse prescriber in primary health and specialty teams (RN prescriber in PH&S teams)

Designated prescriber

• Able to prescribe from a schedule of common Prescription medicines (NCNZ list of 200+).

Scope of practice

• Must work in a collaborative team with an authorised prescriber available for consultation.
  Able to diagnose and treat common conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, hypertension) within a collaborative team.

Additional qualification

• Post Graduate Diploma in registered nurse prescribing for long term conditions and common conditions – includes 150 in-practice hours and supervision by an authorised prescriber.

Mātanga tapuhi nurse practitioner

Designated prescriber

• Able to prescribe any prescription medicine.

Scope of practice

• Able to independently assess, diagnose and treat a range of conditions for a population group in an area of practice. May work autonomously or within a health care organisation.
• Consults with health professional colleagues.

Additional qualification

• Clinical Master’s degree in nursing. Includes an advanced prescribing practicum and a minimum of 300 in- practice hours and supervision by an authorised prescriber.