Regulating physician associates

Physician associates are trained health professionals who work under the supervision of a medical doctor to provide healthcare to patients.

The Medical Council will be the responsible authority for regulating physician associates in Aotearoa New Zealand.  As part of this, the Council is required to develop regulatory settings (including registration requirements and practice standards) to ensure physician associates are competent and fit to practise.

We will add more information and consult as we develop the proposed regulatory framework for physician associate practice.

August update

Shaping the conversation together

Work is underway to explore what regulation for physician associates could look like, with a focus on understanding the impact on patients and the health system, and how to ensure cultural safety. This work is still in the early stages, and the final shape of any regulation will be considered during the formal public consultation phase, coming up later this year.

In June, we sought patient perspectives through our consumer advisory group, Whakawaha, and also from Te Kāhui Whakamana Tiriti – Council’s Māori Advisory group. This is part of our commitment to understanding how the role might work in Aotearoa New Zealand and identifying any risks or safeguards needed before regulation is finalised.

Feedback covered:

  • The need for clear information for patients on what physician associates do and how they differ from other health professionals.
  • The importance of ensuring physician associates provide culturally safe care and receive robust induction to practise in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • Ensuring the role supports equitable healthcare access and does not create confusion in the system.

We will continue to gather perspectives from our advisory groups, the public, stakeholders, physician associates, and registered doctors. This feedback will help us develop a framework to protect patients and support safe, effective care.

June update

MC News | In this edition we continue the conversation about the future of health workforce regulation and how we can shape a more responsive, patient-centred system. This includes an update on the regulation of physician associates — a step that supports team-based care by introducing consistent standards and a clear regulatory framework to ensure patient safety.

Read more

Frequently asked questions

We’ve put together answers to common questions, including:

– What is a physician associate?
– Why and when are physician associates being regulated?
– How will regulation be paid for?
– What’s been learned from overseas?
– How will supervision work, and how could it help with workforce shortages?
– What’s being done to keep patients safe?
– How can you share your views?

Learn more about the Council’s approach to regulating physician associates in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Download our FAQ sheet [PDF, 212 KB] 

Media release

Regulation of physician associates

The Medical Council will be the responsible authority for regulating physician associates in Aotearoa New Zealand.  As part of this, the Council is required to develop regulatory settings (including registration requirements and practice standards) to ensure physician associates are competent and fit to practice.

View media release