News & updates
Please find our most recent news and updates below. Use the dropdown at the top of the list to filter it to a specific type of update.
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We've updated our advice for doctors when using technology to deliver health care services to ensure safe and effective care for patients.
Voting for the elections for four medical members to join the Medical Council is open now until 26 March 2021.
We're further extending the expiry date of our COVID-19 Pandemic scope of practice out to 31 March 2022 at the request of the Director-General of Health.
Council has confirmed the continued leadership of Chair, Dr Curtis Walker, and Deputy Chair, Ms Susan Hughes QC, during their first meeting of 2021.
A stronger focus on the wellbeing and future care of patients sits at the centre of Council’s amended guidance for doctors on ending professional relationships with their patients.
Ki te kotahi te kākaho, ka whati. Ki te kāpuia, e kore te whati. A lot has happened since our last Medical Council News, with the formation of a new Government, new ministers of health, the End of Life Choice ‘yes’ vote and more.
Public safety is the top priority for the Medical Council of New Zealand, following the recent referendum approving the introduction of assisted dying in New Zealand.
In this edition our Chief Executive discusses our new Statement of Unprofessional Behaviour, released today, and we acknowledge the commitment, hard work and dedication of medical professionals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
This consultation is now closed. Thank you to those who provided submissions. We are currently reviewing the submissions we received. We will publish the updated standard once we finish this review.
The Medical Council of New Zealand, in partnership with Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa (Te ORA), has released an independent research report outlining findings on the current state of cultural safety and health equity delivered by doctors in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This consultation is now closed. Thank you to those who provided submissions. We are currently reviewing the submissions we received. We will publish the updated statement once we finish this review.
As this newsletter was being finalised, our nation has just learned of the new cases of COVID-19 in the community and the need to re-enter higher levels of lockdown. We have had two new Council members appointed and also in this newsletter are the outcome of two Health Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal (Tribunal) decisions, which we are required to publish in accordance with the Tribunal’s orders.
On 19 March 2020 we activated a special purpose scope of practice - the COVID-19 Pandemic scope of practice. Today we are extending the expiry date of this scope out to 31 March 2021.
Thank you for considering the Medical Council of New Zealand’s (Council) recent consultation on the proposed increases to the 2020/2021 practising certificate (PC) Fee and disciplinary levy, and to the many individuals and organisations who made submissions.
The Medical Council congratulates all those recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours, paying particular tribute to medical professionals who have been acknowledged.
This consultation is now closed. Thank you to those who provided submissions. We are currently reviewing the submissions we received. We will publish the updated statement once we finish this review.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the extraordinary demands on medical staff combined with tight overseas travel restrictions, the Medical Council of New Zealand, together with the Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Education Councils (CPMEC), has decided to postpone this year’s ANZPMEF to 2021.
The Medical Council thanks all doctors for the essential services you are providing to help Aotearoa New Zealand through the COVID-19 pandemic.
This COVID-19 update was sent to all PGY1 and PGY2 doctors by Council's CE Joan Simeon on 1 April 2020.
Council recognises that we need to be flexible in our approach around a range of issues. We understand that there is a lot of concern within colleges, recertification providers and members of the profession about the need to meet recertification requirements. Therefore Council has made some decisions related to this to provide clarity to you and to the profession