Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Podiatrists to receive prescription authority

Podiatrists are set to join other health care professions with designated prescribing authority, with the proposed changes to be put before Cabinet before the end of the year.

“This simple step means a big change for people suffering from painful foot injuries and leg conditions, and it’s also an important recognition for podiatrists,” said Health Minister, Shane Reti .

“The change will see podiatrists joining other health professions with designated prescribing authority, including specifically trained nurses, dieticians, and pharmacists.”

The change will bring New Zealand into line with a number of other countries, including Australia, Canada, the US and UK.

Associate Minister David Seymour says the change allows for more direct access to health care, and savings for both people and the health system.

“For too long, podiatrists have been restricted to providing a limited number of pharmacy-only or restricted medicines for skin care treatments or small surgical procedures,” said Mr Seymour.

“That limits their scope. Additionally, stepping up with additional training and allowing a greater level of prescribing by podiatrists will assist those with high health needs and reduce the costs and delays for patients if additional doctor’s visit had been required.

“The change will also make better use of the country’s nearly 500 podiatrists who usually work in community settings, and in rural areas.

“We know conditions like shin splints and bunions can be extremely painful and that getting pain relief that is only available on prescription has often meant needing to see a GP as well. 

“As a Government, we want to make healthcare as easy to access as possible, and this change is an important step towards that,” he said. 

The change also recognises the often pivotal role podiatrists play in reducing the risk of limb amputations for people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, the Ministers said.

The Ministry of Health is currently developing the list of medicines that specially trained podiatrists will be able to prescribe, and list is likely to be completed in the first half of next year.

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