What's New 2026

Current Topic

Change

Repeat Prescriptions

• Policy updated to include information about prescription durations ahead of the change to 12-month prescribing in February 2026.
• Statement added to policy section "All patients on repeat prescriptions must be reviewed in person at least once every 12 months. The duration and frequency of review is at the prescriber's discretion."
• New section added "Prescription durations". This section includes RNZCGP guidance on when an extended-length prescription may be appropriate and when it isn't clinically indicated. This section states clearly that prescription durations are determined by prescribers based on clinical judgement.
• GPDocs template document Repeat Prescription Guidelines for Specific Medications and Conditions has been updated to add RNZCGP guidance around 12-month prescriptions and a statement at the top that the practice is responsible for doing due diligence to determine whether this information aligns with current best practice.

Child Protection

Policy has updated to include more information about roles and responsibilities, training, and to describe an overall commitment to a culture of child protection.

Safety Checking

• This is a new policy explaining the requirements and responsibilities for safety checking new and existing staff.
• Safety checks are required for all staff and need to be repeated at least every three years.
• The only exception to full safety checking requirements is for staff who work in the building when there are no patients present, (e.g. cleaners).

Identifying and Responding to Abuse or Neglect

• This new policy expands on existing guidance.
• It separates responding to observed/suspected abuse or neglect, from disclosures made by a child.
• Sections on allegation is made against staff, and record keeping, have been added.
• Resources added.

Code of Conduct

Policy expanded to include a new section, with expectations around safeguarding children. It is linked from the updated Child Protection policy.

Disclosing Patient Information

• A new section giving guidance on sharing information about a child, has been added.
• Drop-boxes are included to provide explanations about the relevant legislation.

Incidents

• This policy has been updated to align with the National Adverse Events Policy 2023.
• Information about open disclosure and supporting those affected has been added to the incident management process.