Medical Council invites feedback on the regulation of physician associates/physician assistants (PAs)

Media release

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand is inviting feedback on proposals for how PAs should be regulated in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In April 2025, the Minister of Health announced that PAs would be regulated in Aotearoa New Zealand, and that the Council would be the regulator of PAs. This responsibility is now set in legislation.

The Medical Council is looking to the medical profession, stakeholders and the public to help shape the regulatory framework. This will ensure that patients can expect high-quality, culturally safe care.

A PA is a trained health professional who works under the supervision of a doctor to provide healthcare to patients. Regulation under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 will help ensure physician associates are qualified, competent, and fit to practise.

Council Chair Dr Rachelle Love said the consultation is an important opportunity for both health professionals and the public to contribute to shaping the regulatory framework.

“Regulation is about ensuring patient safety and maintaining public trust in healthcare,” said Dr Love.
“We’re keen to hear from doctors, physician associates, educators, employers, and consumers to help us ensure the framework reflects both workforce needs and those of patients.”

The Council has worked with doctors, physician associates, unions, consumers, and health sector organisations to develop a draft regulatory framework. This consultation will help finalise the framework before it is submitted for Ministerial consideration in 2026.

The consultation seeks feedback on proposed scopes of practice, qualifications and registration pathways, supervision requirements, and expectations around cultural safety and equity in healthcare delivery.

Dr Love said the Council’s approach focuses on safe, team-based models of care.

“By working together with the medical profession and the public, we can ensure the framework supports high-quality, culturally safe care for everyone.”

The consultation is open until mid-day 16 February 2026. Feedback can be provided through the Council’s website at www.mcnz.org.nz.

Ends

Consultation closes 16 February 2026.
[Have your say →]