Possible regulation of physician associates under the HPCAA

Tēnā koutou

Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health (the Ministry) has recently launched a targeted consultation on a proposal to regulate the physician associate (PA) profession under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA).

The Ministry’s proposal relates to the possible regulation of the PA profession, and therefore focusses primarily on the risk of harm involved in the practice of the profession and what regulatory mechanisms should be employed to minimise those risks.

The regulation of physician associates under the HPCAA presents a multifaceted issue that will have an impact on all doctors (and other professions) given the supervisory requirements PAs may be working under, and the potential costs of regulating a relatively small number of practitioners.

The Council sees it as crucial that doctors are able to inform, contribute and participate in the current proposal. Consequently, we are engaging with doctors and other stakeholders to seek your views. Your insights and perspectives will be critical in shaping our response to the Ministry.

We are providing you with an abridged version of the Ministry’s consultation document.  This version excludes the specific questions that the Ministry has asked the Council to respond to. 

Your input is important to us. Please respond to our consultation by Thursday, 27 July 2023.

Please use this Survey Monkey form to submit your feedback online.

Naku noa, nā

Dr Curtis Walker
Tumuaki |Chair
Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand