Technical advice is our interpretation of how professional standards apply in a particular situation. It is designed to help veterinarians deal with common issues in practice, using their professional judgement to apply the advice to their own situation. It represents our best efforts at the time of publication but standards and expectations change over time and particular care should be used when reading old advice.

What is the maximum period of supply when prescribing human medication for animals?

The maximum period of supply for prescription medicines is three months. This is outlined in Section three of the Veterinary Medicines part of the Code of Professional Conduct.

This means that you could authorise a prescription for a human medicine for one month, with two repeats. The Code expects veterinarians to use their professional judgement and discretion to decide the appropriate period of supply. This will depend on the dosage, animal type and weight, and any associated risks that need to be managed.

What about adding repeats to a script for controlled drugs?

The Veterinary Council’s understanding of the Misuse of Drugs Act is that veterinarians cannot prescribe repeats for controlled drugs, and can only prescribe enough of the controlled drug for one month. The requirements for supplying controlled drugs were amended in December 2022, and the part of the legislation that supports our understanding of the regulations is 

, non-opioid Class C controlled drugs can be supplied by some prescribers, on three or more occasions at monthly or shorter intervals, for a maximum of three months. However, veterinarians are not included in the list of practitioners who can issue these prescriptions.

Updates

Who can administer Controlled Drugs (including pentobarbitone)?

Dispensing human medication for animals

Cannabidiol products for use in animals

The Hub

Policy on Registration

Policy on Limited Registration

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Policy on Specialist Registration

Policy on registration under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act

Policy on qualifications and post nominal titles for inclusion on the Register of Veterinarians

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Policies

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Competency Standards and Performance Indicators for Veterinarians

Introduction

Summary: The 7 principles

1. Animal welfare

2. Client relationships

3. Professional relationships

4. Professional integrity

5. Veterinary services

6. Veterinary medicines

7. Legislative requirements

Glossary

Code of Professional Conduct

Statement: Authorisation of Xylazine for use by non-veterinarians

Prohibiting the use of Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials

Authorisation During Major Disruptive Events and Emergencies

Health Practitioners Undertaking Surgical Procedures on Animals

Compounding Veterinary Medicines

Discretionary Use of Human and Veterinary Medicines by Veterinarians

Cattle Disbudding and Dehorning by Non-Veterinarians

Authorisation of Dry Cow Therapy

Manufacturing Veterinary Medicines

Certification of fitness for transport of livestock

Induction of Calving in Cattle

Authorisation of adult cat and dog vaccinations for administration by veterinary nurses during the current veterinary workforce shortage

Statements

Guidance for authorisation of controlled drugs in veterinary medicine

Guidance on AI Transcription and Client Privacy: Protecting Personal Information in the Digital Age

Delegating procedures on cats and dogs to veterinary nurses and technicians

Can a veterinarian send expired RVMs to charities offshore

Health practitioners undertaking non-surgical procedures on animals

Reclassification of fentanyl, tramadol, zopiclone and zolpidem

Veterinary supervision

Flystrike table

Dry Cow Antibiotic Therapy

Recent changes to penicillin withholding periods

Remote Veterinary Care (Telehealth and Telemedicine)

Anaesthetic Monitoring

Dealing with cases of suspected or actual animal abuse and family violence

Social media

Veterinarians' role in Maintaining New Zealand's Biosecurity

Non-consented human medicines used by veterinarians

Mentoring Guidelines

Meat Processing in New Zealand

Guidance

Untitled

Stewardship

Client relationships

Technical advice

Guidance on Critical Reasoning, Team Learning and Safety-focused practices in Veterinary Clinics

Communicating emergency care, after hours services to clients

Pregnancy in the Veterinary Workplace

Emergency services advice for new practices

Handling complaints

Accredited employer work visa

Opening vet clinics on Easter Sunday

Practice guidance

Guidance on completing your Annual Practising Certificate (APC) application

Process guidance

Professional standards and guidance

Case study: What happens when a veterinarian falls short of the expected standard?