30 January 2025

The Medicines Regulations have been amended to allow prescribers to issue prescriptions for a quantity of medicine for a period of supply of up to 12 months (a 12 month prescription), if clinically appropriate and safe to do so.

From 1 February 2026, authorised prescribers (including midwives, within scope) may prescribe up to 12 months’ total supply where clinically appropriate. This is a maximum, not a default. Importantly:

• The maximum supply per dispensing remains 3 months (6 months for oral contraceptives).
• Controlled drugs are excluded – no change to existing rules.
• All repeats expire 12 months from the date the prescription is written, not from first dispensing.
• Repeats cannot be transferred between pharmacies; the initiating pharmacy must dispense all repeats.

This means that from 1 February 2026 all midwives are entitled to issue a prescription for a 12-month supply of a medication for a pre-conceptual, pregnant or postpartum woman or newborn in their care.

Examples of medications which midwives might issue a 12-month prescription for include:

• Iodine supplements (universally recommended throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding)
• Vitamin D supplementation (recommended for some women during pregnancy and postpartum, and for babies while they are being breastfed)
• Postpartum contraception (condoms, oral contraception)

Although 12-month prescriptions can be issued, it is up to the prescriber’s clinical judgement as to whether it is appropriate. A 12-month prescription will not be clinically appropriate for all people. A quantity of medicine sufficient for 12 months is the maximum, not a requirement.

Prescribers should be prepared for requests for 12-month prescriptions from patients/clients and use their clinical discretion to determine what is best for each person.

Prescribing clarity matters more than ever

Midwives are advised to explicitly state the duration of the prescription, whatever the duration is intended to be.

Midwifery-specific scope considerations
Midwives remain able to prescribe within their scope, including longer durations where clinically appropriate, while the woman (and baby) remains under their care. When care ends or transfers:

• Prescribing responsibility and monitoring arrangements should be clear.
• Pharmacies should not be left managing uncertainty about ongoing authority or intent.

Importance of detailed handover to GP/primary care provider

Midwives are reminded of the importance of sending a detailed discharge summary to the woman’s GP (or other primary care provider), including any prescriptions that continue beyond the end of the midwife’s care and their duration.

Expanded practice and 12-month prescriptions

Some midwives will be undertaking expanded practice as per the Midwifery Council’s policy. The 12-month prescription policy applies equally to midwives who are practising under these conditions. Any queries about prescribing under this policy should be directed to the Council in the first instance.