Regulatory changes to healthcare settings in our residences
Cabinet papers and other documents relating to changes to healthcare provisions in the Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996.
On 30 April 2026, the Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Amendment Regulations 2026 came into force. These can be found on the Legislation New Zealand website
The changes ensure children and young people in our residences have access to life-saving medicines, and essential healthcare services.
The changes include:
- Trained and authorised residence workers can use emergency injectable medications to save a young person’s life during a medical emergency.
- Approved emergency injectable medications include EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits. New emergency injectable medications may be approved in the future.
- EpiPens may be given without a prescription to enable access when a young person may have an unknown allergy.
- Young people can access the services of nurse practitioners, while maintaining the right to access a medical practitioner if they prefer.
- Young people will also have access to prescribed medications from authorised prescribers.
Published: September 16, 2026