Changes to Prescriptions

Read on and watch Tracey’s reels below for more information.

What’s Changing?

The government has updated prescribing rules so that prescribers can issue up to 12‑month prescriptions for suitable patients. Until now, most medicines were limited to three months at a time. The intention is to reduce unnecessary appointments, cut costs, and simplify medicine management for those with stable, long‑term conditions.

Even with a 12‑month script:

• Pharmacies will continue dispensing three months at a time (or six months for oral contraceptives).
• Patients will only pay one $5 prescription charge when they collect their first supply.

Who May Be Eligible?

Your prescriber (GP or nurse practitioner) must assess whether longer prescribing is clinically appropriate. A 12‑month prescription maybe considered if:

• Your condition is stable and well‑controlled.
• Your medication has been unchanged long‑term.
• Recent monitoring is up‑to‑date and can continue reliably.
• The medicine is considered safe for longer‑term repeats.

Common examples of long‑term conditions that may qualify include asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Important Exclusions

Not all medicines or patients will be eligible. Longer prescriptions do not apply to:

• Controlled drugs
• New medications
• Medicines requiring frequent monitoring
• Situations where your health or treatment has recently changed

What Patients Need to Know

• You will still see your doctor for an appointment to request a longer prescription.
• You must collect all repeats from the same pharmacy.
• Even with a long prescription, you’ll still have regular health check‑ins as needed.

Why The Change?

According to the Minister of Health, the change removes barriers for people on stable medications, reduces unnecessary GP visits, and frees up clinician time for more urgent or complex needs. It’s expected to improve long‑term outcomes, reduce costs, and make everyday medication management easier.