30/04/2020 Summary of revised NZePS specifications and info re Class C drugs We can confirm that under the misuse of drugs legislation prescriptions for all controlled drugs (with the exception of those that are exempted or partially exempted) are required to be signed physically by the prescriber in their own signature. The only exception being exempted and partially exempted controlled drugs (whose prescription requirements fall under the medicines legislation). Just to be clear the requirement for the physical signature includes class C controlled drugs such as benzodiazepines and codeine tablets. This was the case prior to Covid-19 and continues to be the case today. There is no ability to grant a waiver/exemption for the requirement for the physical signature under the misuse of drugs legislation (unlike in the medicines legislation) to enable electronically signed controlled drugs prescriptions. I have been advised that in order to enable this, a change to the misuse of drugs legislation would be required and work is being undertaken to explore this, however I have not been advised as to what the time frame for this is likely to be. The Pharmacy Guild has provided the attached list of Class C drugs that are NOT exempt or partially exempt. • •
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Signature Exempt Prescriptions do NOT apply to CDs (Class A, B and C - except Class C exempt or partially exempt drugs as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Regs 1977) ALL faxed / emailed barcoded CD prescriptions require the signed original to be sent to the pharmacy (Class A, B and C - except Class C exempt or partially exempt drugs as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Regs 1977) ALL barcoded CD prescriptions must be signed (wet signature) by the prescriber i.e.Class A, B and C - except Class C exempt or partially exempt drugs as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Regs 1977
Clare Kirk NZePS Change Manager Digital Strategy and Investment Technology and Digital Services Ministry of Health Mobile 021 885094 Please note my days of work are Mon - Thurs. http://www.health.govt.nz mailto:Clare.Kirk@health.govt.nz