What we do

Our role

The Medical Council operates under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and has several responsibilities. Registration The Medical Council registers doctors to practise medicine in New Zealand. Registration is: the means by which we achieve our primary purpose – to ensure that medical practitioners are fit to practise. evidence that a doctor has met a certain standard. Medical standards and practice The Medical Council carries responsibilities in the areas of medical standards and doctors’ conduct and competence. Guidance and training The Medical Council guides doctors on medical practice issues and promotes education and training of doctors. Protection of the public The Medical Council is responsible for ensuring that doctors maintain high standards of practice. All health professionals must comply with the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer’s Rights. The Code sets out your legal rights as a patient when you are receiving medical care. Note: For any complaints about doctors, contact the Health and Disability Commissioner.

Our functions

The Medical Council: authorises the registration of practising doctors.  maintains a medical register of practising doctors. issues annual practising certificates only to doctors who have maintained their competence to continue practising medicine. monitors the training of medical students and new doctors to ensure their medical education is appropriate. requires doctors to continue their medical education once they enter the workforce. can require a doctor to receive treatment if he or she is suffering from an illness which is affecting his or her practice. can suspend a doctor’s practice. carries out performance assessments of doctors in response to a concern expressed by a patient, colleague or any other person.

How we work

Funding The Medical Council is funded by registration and annual practising fees paid by all practicing doctors. Meetings The Medical Council meets eight times a year. The Medical Council committees meet periodically.

Our strategic goals

Update of Strategic Plan towards 2010 (October 2005) Medical Council Business Plan (2007)

What we don’t do

It is not the Medical Council’s role to: deal with patient complaints about doctors. This is carried out by the Health and Disability Commissioner. discipline doctors. This is carried out by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.