Request for certificate of registration

Special purpose scope - application to amend practising certificate

The purpose of this agreement is to set out the terms of reference for the collegial relationship and clarify the objectives and responsibilities of each colleague.

if you are in a collegial relationship you should use this form to keep a record of the meetings you have with your colleague.

If you are in a collegial relationship, you should use this form to record any optional activities you complete - that is, activities that are not specifically required.

Disclosure of harm refers to instances where a patient has been adversely affected as a direct result of medical care. Open disclosure in this situation promotes transparency, can strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and is important for the health and safety of the public in general. This statement is intended to help doctors understand the purpose of open disclosure and why it matters to patients and their family/whānau. It also guides doctors on factors to consider when a situation requires that the harm is disclosed.

The HPCAA requires Council to ensure doctors are fit and competent to practise medicine. Council does this in part by setting and recognising recertification programmes under section 41 of the HPCAA, and requiring doctors’ participation in those programmes.

Application for registration in New Zealand

Doctors on provisional general and special purpose scope: Employer application for approval of position and supervisor

Provisional vocational (VOC4) scope - application for approval of position and supervisor

Referee report for use when applying for registration.

Telehealth is the use of digital technology to deliver health services where participants may be separated by distance and/or time. This statement outlines our expectation of doctors who practise telehealth in New Zealand and overseas, and includes guidance on registration, conducting physical examinations and prescribing.

Application for Special Purpose: Visiting Expert Registration for teaching as a Visiting Expert

Application for vocational registration if you don't hold an approved postgraduate medical qualification from New Zealand or Australia.

Application form for provisional vocational registration if you hold an approved postgraduate medical qualification.

Checklist for registration in New Zealand - locum tenens registration

Checklist 2: United Kingdom and Irish medical graduates - Part A: Checklist for registration in New Zealand

Special Purpose: Teleradiology - Checklist for new applicants

Special Purpose: Teleradiology - Checklist for reapplying applicants

Checklist 5: Practice profile form for use by doctors applying down the comparable health system pathway.

CHKL8: United Kingdom general registrants pathway

The Clinical Supervisors Guide outlines the role of the clinical supervisor in the prevocational medical training programme

The Clinical Supervisors Guide outlines the role of the clinical supervisor in the prevocational medical training programme.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to therapies and treatments that are not commonly accepted in conventional medical practice, but are sometimes used alongside or instead of conventional medical treatments. This statement guides doctors in situations where their patients are using CAM, and outlines what we expect when doctors practise CAM.

This statement outlines Council's expectations of doctors who perform cosmetic procedures. These include standards relating to training, skill and expertise, advertising and obtaining consent from the patient.

This statement acknowledges that health inequities and inequalities continue to exist for Māori, and that there are disparities in the delivery of health care to Māori. It encourages all health organisations to examine their partnership with Māori through genuine engagement, representation and participation.

This statement outlines what cultural safety means and why it is important. The document reflects the evolution of thinking away from the cultural competence of doctors – that is acquiring skills and knowledge of other cultures – towards self-reflection of a doctor’s own attitudes and biases that may affect the cultural safety of patients. Council requires doctors to meet these cultural safety standards.

This document provides general advice to employers (including Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand and some PHOs) about their responsibilities as an employer of a doctor.

A history of the Medical Council of New Zealand, compiled by Professor Richard Sainsbury.

Patients are entitled to information about their health and the care they are receiving. This statement outlines what we expect of doctors when helping patients to make an informed decision about their care and treatment.

NZREX Clinical - Checklist of documentation that must be provided with application

This policy covers when doctors who were previously registered in New Zealand can apply to be restored to the register rather than complete a full registration application.

Request for confirmation of internship, NZREX pass, or general registration.

As a doctor, you have an obligation to be respectful and professional as your behaviour may affect how a health team functions, how care is delivered to patients, and the public’s trust and confidence in the medical profession. If you have concerns about the conduct, competence or safety of a doctor’s practice, you should notify the Medical Council.

PGY1 and PGY2 interns can only practise medicine in accredited clinical attachments. This document outlines the standards clinical attachments must meet to be accredited. These standards should be considered alongside the accreditation standards for training providers.

The main purpose of the collegial relationship is to ensure that a doctor's PDP and CPD are appropriate for the work they are doing. This guide is intended to outline what you need to do as part of this relationship including prompts for guiding discussion in collegial relationship meetings.

Earlier this year we sought feedback on the draft statement on Treating yourself and those close to you. A wide range of submissions was received from key stakeholders across the profession and some common themes emerged. Council has revised this statement taking into account your feedback.

During the course of a medical career, a doctor may be involved in management or have a leadership role. This statement outlines the standards doctors are expected to meet when they take on such roles. While doctors in a leadership role have a duty to their workplace and the wider community, their first consideration must always be the interests and safety of patients.

This document is a guide for interns and includes information on what MSF is about and step-by-step instructions to complete the process.

You must agree to these rules before you can take the examination. If you break these rules you will fail the examination and there may be consequences for any future application for registration.

List of texts we recommend candidates read before they undertake the NZREX Clinical.

The New Zealand Curriculum Framework for Prevocational Medical Training (NZCF) outlines the learning outcomes to be substantively completed in PGY1 and by the end of PGY2

This guide is for supervisors who are creating robust training objectives for doctors applying for registration in New Zealand under the Special Purpose Post Graduate Training pathway.

The Medical Council of New Zealand (the Council) wants to ensure that recertification programmes for all doctors are robust, help assure the public that the doctor is competent and fit to practise, and improve the current high standards of practice of doctors in New Zealand.

Certain medicines have the potential to enhance athletic performance or an individual's physique. We set out in this statement our position on doctors who prescribe, administer and supply performance-enhancing medicines, or who assist others in doing so.

This gazette notice lists the fees payable from 1 July 2026.

This information sheet provides guidance to chaperones approved by the Medical Council of New Zealand (Approved Chaperone) about their role and responsibilities when acting as a chaperone.

Professional standards for physician associates 2026

Evaluation of changes to prevocational medical training by Malatest International - end of year report for 2018

This guide will help you complete your application to renew your practising certificate. All applications to renew are now made online using myMCNZ - our online portal.

This guide provides important information relating to health disclosures on practising certificates.

Internet, email, and other forms of electronic communication are ways in which doctors communicate with patients and other health professionals, find information, and participate in informed discussion. This statement guides doctors on the use of email and other forms of social media.

Doctors are sometimes asked by a third party (such as an insurance company or ACC) to conduct medical assessments of patients. This statement explains the role of the assessing doctor and the standard of care expected of them within an assessing relationship.

Memorandum of understanding between Medical Council of New Zealand and New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association

NZREX Clinical - Application for repeat candidates.

This fact sheet is intended to provide information to those people who meet with a Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) as part of its investigation.

In order to practise in New Zealand you must be both registered and hold a current practising certificate. This policy outlines Council's rules around practising certificates.

This guide outlines the essential skills and competencies an intern needs to accomplish by the end of prevocational medical training.

This statement outlines the doctor's responsibility to maintain sexual boundaries with patients, includes advice on what to do if boundaries are threatened, and offers guidance on sexual relationships with former patients and with family members of patients.

As the regulator of the medical profession, the Medical Council of New Zealand (the Council) plays a key role to ensure public safety and to assure and maintain public trust and confidence in the profession; including that doctors continue to maintain high standards of competence.

Guide on how to use myMCNZ including how to access it, how to update your details, how to request a COPS and how to renew your practising certificate.

The purpose of these principles is to provide a framework for good decision-making about notifications assessed and managed by the Council. The principles are not intended to cover every specific scenario but rather provide guidance in how notifications should be assessed and managed. The framework applies to the decisions of the Notifications Triage Team (NTT) and of Council.

Our definitions of clinical and non-clinical practice

Glossary of terms used in relation to prevocational medical training. Examples include clinical attachment, intern, multisource feedback (MSF), and prevocational educational supervisor

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1984 to 30 June 1985

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1985 to 30 June 1986

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1988 to 30 June 1989

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1990 to 30 June 1991

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1991 to 30 June 1992

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 1994

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

This consultation document is seeking stakeholder feedback on the Medical Council of New Zealand’s (Council) proposal to gazette an increase to the practising certificate (PC) fee and disciplinary levy, to be effective from 1 September 2020.

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

The December 2008 edition of Medical Council News, our newsletter for doctors.

In the May 2016 issue of Medical Council News we looked at doctors providing care to themselves and those close to them, informed consent, and guidance from the Pharmacy Council on effective prescription writing for safe collaborative patient management.

In this issue of Medical Council News we look at workplace bullying. It's an issue that is everyone's responsibility and something we should all have zero tolerance for. We also look at new and revised statements on self-care, advertising and telehealth, and the use of the internet.

In this issue we look at the importance of keeping up to date with Council's statements and publications, the outcomes of the research into Council's performance, and cultural competence.

This document is a guide for prevocational educational supervisors on how to support their interns to complete the MSF process and provides information on how to interpret the collated report before discussing the results with their interns.

This policy explains the requirements to be met to allow doctors with vocational registration in Rural Hospital Medicine or General Practice to obtain an authorisation to provide secondary maternity services, in addition to the practice permitted within their vocational scope of practice.

This policy outlines the requirements you must meet before you can be registered in the General scope of practice.This policy should be read alongside Council's Policy on registration in New Zealand.

In this review we provide the evidence base that supports Council's vision and principles for recertification and provide educational evidence to support regular practice review (RPR)

An amendment of this notice was published on 1 October 2024, Notice No. 2024-sl4980 and another amendment was published on 31 March 2025, Notice No. 2025-sl1765.

The terms of reference of our Audit and Risk Committee

Terms of reference for our Committee on matters relating to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care

We will achieve our vision, deliver on our purpose, and uphold our values through our strategic priorities.

This form outlines the additional information that we will require as part of an application for provisional vocational registration in psychiatry.

Update on Wairarapa DHB's accreditation status as at 27 October 2023

This report presents the results of our 2022 workforce survey. Key findings in this report include that the proportion of Māori doctors increased to 4.7 percent, the proportion of female doctors increased to 47.9 percent, and the total number of practising doctors increased to 19,350.

This report presents the results of our 2025 workforce survey. Key findings include 20,530 practising doctors, a 2.6% rise from last year. Nearly half are women (49.6%), and representation of Māori (5.5%) and Pacific (2.7%) doctors is growing among younger doctors. International medical graduates continue to play a vital role, especially outside the main centres.

This is a guide for the new functionality on an ePort user’s homepage highlighting due and/or overdue tasks. Initially, these task notifications will appear for the beginning-, mid-, and end-of attachment meetings/assessments.

Australasian colleges are required to meet the Aotearoa New Zealand specific standards. The Aotearoa NZ specific standards relate to recertification / continuing professional development.

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

This document aims to clarify matters relating to the amended start date and changes to dates for intern clinical attachments for the year commencing at the end of 2020.

We are seeking stakeholder feedback on the Medical Council of New Zealand’s (Council) proposal to gazette changes to its existing fees and disciplinary levy, to be effective from 1 July 2022.

Manatū Hauora - The Ministry of Health (the Ministry) is proposing that the Physician Associate (PA) profession be regulated under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act 2003. This document outlines the details of this proposal.

NZCMM accreditation update status as of 14 December 2023

NZCMM accreditation update status as of 29 November 2023

NZREX Clinical - Application for new candidates

Approval of position and supervision form

Guide for medical students applying for registration to complete their PGY1 year in New Zealand using myMCNZ.

You can request to withdraw from a particular sitting of the NZREX Clinical, or request to transfer to another sitting. This policy sets out the process for applicants to transfer or withdraw from the NZREX Clinical and the associated fee or refund for each process.

This policy explains the requirements you will have to meet if you are registered in the general scope, or in a vocational scope of general practice, and you wish to perform tumescent liposuction.

A one-page visual guide outlining the registration pathways available to International Medical Graduates, including both permanent and temporary options.

Update on Tairāwhiti DHB's accreditation status as at 14 December 2023

Update on Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral's accreditation status as at 27 October 2023

Prevocational medical training accreditation report: Auckland District Health Board

Approved list of postgraduate medical qualifications recognised for registration via the VOC4 pathway

Update on Capital and Coast's accreditation status as at 14 December 2023

We are proposing two key changes to the comparable health system pathway to registration in the Provisional General scope of practice. We welcome your feedback about these proposed changes before we make any decisions.

Summary of the Malatest evaluation of the regular practice review (RPR) programme for 2017.

When applying for registration at the end of your medical training you will have to answer questions relating to your fitness to practise. This guide will help you to figure out what you may need to declare to Council.

Update on Hawke's Bay's accreditation status as at 27 October 2023

Māori experience disparities in outcomes compared to the rest of the population across nearly all areas of health due to inequity in determinants of health, including access to quality health care. This document outlines Council’s position on how doctors can support the achievement of best health outcomes for Māori. It also provides guidance for healthcare organisations to support cultural safety and Māori health equity. This document should be read in conjunction with Council’s Statement on cultural safety.

Guide with information for DHBs who are providing community based clinical attachments.

We are seeking stakeholder feedback on the Medical Council of New Zealand’s (Council) proposal to gazette changes to its existing fees and disciplinary levy, to be effective from 1 July 2021.

This document outlines Council's decision around the Practising Certificate Fee and Disciplinary Levy for 2020/2021 and the reasons for this decision.

This consultation sets out two proposals for registration of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in the Provisional General scope of practice in Aotearoa New Zealand based on an applicant having passed Part 1 and Part 2 of the United Kingdom (UK) Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test.

Update on South Canterbury DHB's accreditation report as at 27 October 2023

Report on our progress with our strategic directions covering the period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

Report on our progress with our strategic directions covering the period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

Report on our progress with our strategic directions covering the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

This form outlines additional information required by ANZCA for applications in anaesthesia.

Practice intentions - To be completed by doctors applying for a PC to return to work after an absence of three or more years

The purpose of this statement is to protect the public from advertising that is false, misleading or deceptive, and to
provide guidance to doctors about the advertising of health-related products and services.

Provisional general scope - application to vary practising certificate

Provisional vocational scope - application to vary practising certificate

Application for general scope of practice for doctors on a provisional general scope of practice (excluding Interns).

Application for change of scope from provisional vocational to vocational (ex-provisional)

If you are in a collegial relationship, you should use this form to record the details of any audits of your medical practice.

If you are in a collegial relationship, you should use this form to keep a record of the CME activities you complete.

If you are in a collegial relationship, you should use this form to keep a record of any peer review you do.

Complete this form to confirm you are enrolled and actively participating in an approved recertification programme.

Form to confirm that the doctor is enrolled and actively participating in Inpractice, the recertification programme for doctors registered in the General scope of practice.

NZREX Clinical - Application to withdraw from an examination

NZREX Clinical - Application to change to a later examination

This statement outlines how we manage the personal information we collect.

Declaration: Special purpose scope of practice – postgraduate training

Application for a practising certificate for doctors registered in a provisional or special purpose locum tenens scope who are returning to medical practice in New Zealand. This form supersedes the REG9 and REG11 forms.

Employer application for approval of position and supervisor (UK & Irish graduates, comparable health system, and locum tenens pathways)

Provisional vocational scope - application for approval of position and supervisor

APPLICATION FORM SUPERSEDED - Please use the new REG12 form
Application for a practising certificate for an IMG registered in a provisional general scope returning to medical practice in New Zealand.

Supervision report for IMGs on a provisional vocational or special purpose scope doing telemedicine, pathology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, public health medicine and medical administration.

Supervision report form for doctors on General scope or vocational scope.

Use this form to verify your documentation by Statutory Declaration

Special Purpose: Visiting Expert - Application for approval of invitation and supervision

Under sections 11 and 13 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand (“Council”) gives notice of an amendment to the notice titled “Scopes of Practice and Prescribed Qualifications for the Practice of Medicine in New Zealand Notice 2024.

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Capital and Coast District Health Board following site visit on 24 and 25 March 2021

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Hutt Valley District Health Board following site visit on 12 and 28 October 2020

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Nelson Marlborough DHB following site visit on 6 and 7 August 2019

The Standards for accreditation of specialist medical training programmes are jointly agreed and applied by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). Australasian colleges are required to apply the New Zealand specific criteria in addition to the AMC standards.

In August 2021, Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand, underwent a full performance review that showed compliance to our obligations under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA). This independent report documents the findings from the review.

Version 3 Superseded version 2 of Council's Te Mahere Rautaki Strategic Plan.

Application to vary practising certificate on a physician associate provisional scope of practice

Half of the APC (practising fee and disciplinary levy) will be refunded to doctors earning $20,000 or less per annum from the practice of medicine in New Zealand or overseas.

Policy for doctors registered in the special purpose postgraduate training scope in relation to working nights.

Some pathways to registration require doctors to have completed their internship in a particular country. If you are applying for registration and did your internship somewhere else, this policy outlines how we will assess your suitability for registration.

This document outlines the policy, process and guidelines for recognition of a new vocational scope of practice.

This policy, which comes into effect on 1 April 2020, sets out on when we might make public in some way, information about an order or direction made by us about a doctor.

RNZCUC accreditation update status as of 17 December 2024

RNZCUC accreditation update status as of 22 March 2024

Recertification programme providers are expected to work towards these strengthened recertification requirements for vocationally-registered doctors, with implementation completed by 1 July 2022.

This form outlines the additional information that will be required by the RANZCOG so it can provide us with advice on your application for vocational registration in obstetrics and gynaecology.

This pamphlet explains the role of a Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and what to expect if you are referred to a PCC.

This pamphlet explains the role of a Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and what to expect if your notification about a doctor is referred to a PCC.

New Zealand and Australian graduates: This checklist will help you to confirm your eligibility for registration, tell you what documents you need to provide, and will tell you what documents you need to have verified at source by EPIC.

Postgraduate training - Checklist for registration in New Zealand

Research - Part A: Checklist for registration in New Zealand

CHKL3: Passed approved examinations

Checklist 4: Comparable health system - checklist for registration in New Zealand.

Australian general scope pathway - Part A: Checklist for registration in New Zealand

The purpose of the CPD Associate agreement is to assist you in maintaining safe and competent practice, and to clarify your responsibilities, as well as those of the CPD associate.

Health-related commercial organisations share some common goals with doctors: they seek to prevent, control, cure and manage diseases, or physical and mental conditions, and may conduct research to improve and advance health care. However, health-related commercial organisations can also have different and potentially conflicting goals in that generating a profit is often a principal goal whereas a doctor’s primary concern must always be the care of patients. This statement outlines our expectations when doctors interact with health-related commercial organisations, and provides guidance on recognising, assessing and managing conflicts of interest (including perceived conflicts of interest) that may arise.

Section 16 (b) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 requires the Medical Council of New Zealand (Council) to be satisfied that any doctor or physician associate seeking registration in New Zealand is able to communicate in and comprehend English sufficiently to protect the health and safety of the public.

Our "Good medical practice" publication provides guidance to doctors on the standards of practice we expect.

This statement outlines the rights and responsibilities of health care workers and infected health care workers in relation to transmissible major viral infections.

Form that needs to be completed in order to apply for a partial refund of your practising certificate fee if your income for the year was below the threshold.

Doctors are often asked to sign certificates for a wide range of purposes, such as confirming sickness, impairment or death. This statement outlines factors to consider, and the standards that doctors must follow, when issuing a medical certificate.

Handbook for candidates undertaking the NZREX Clinical.

Maintaining clinical records is part of good medical practice. Clinical notes are an important tool for managing the patient's care, and communicating with other doctors and health professionals. This statement guides doctors on what information they should record, and for how long they should retain patients' records.

Application for registration: Australian graduates (Interns/PGY1)

Special purpose - postgraduate trainee report: progress towards learning objectives and comments about supervised practice.

This guide will help you when you complete the workforce survey as part of your application to renew your practising certificate.

Request for re-evaluation of application for registration within a vocational scope of practice

Guide to providing a complete application for registration within a vocational scope of practice.

A Review of Prevocational Training Requirements for Doctors in New Zealand: Stage 2 - A second consultation paper on the proposed changes to prevocational training

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Te Whatu Ora - Lakes following site visit on 24 and 25 May 2022

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Wairarapa District Health Board following site visit on 17 and 18 October 2019.

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Counties Manukau DHB following site visit on 13 and 14 June 2024.

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Waikato District Health Board following site visit on 14 and 15 September 2021

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Waitaha Canterbury following site visit on 24 and 25 September 2019

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - end of year report for 2015

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | the Medical Council of New Zealand (the Council) considers it important that all interns have the knowledge and skills to manage and supervise resuscitation events and therefore we have a longstanding requirement that interns hold New Zealand Resuscitation Council (NZRC) CORE Advanced certification.

This guide is for accredited training providers who are preparing for a Council accreditation assessment. This guide provides training providers with detailed information as to what the Council expects you to provide in your self-assessment.

Training and/or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme providers can be required
to report on an annual or specified basis to Council as a condition of their accreditation. This guide
provides an outline of the expected structure of an annual- or progress report. This guide applies to the current standards that are in effect until 30 June 2020.

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020.

NZCPHM accreditation report relating to the visit on 4, 5 and 6 May 2022

If you wish to apply for the NZREX Clinical, you must meet the requirements outlined in this Policy. You will also need to submit a recent photo in order to apply for the NZREX Clinical, this policy also outlines the requirements for the photo we need.

Update on Waitemata DHB's accreditation status as at 1 July 2022

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Hawkes Bay DHB following site visit on 2 and 3 July 2019

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for MidCentral District Health Board following site visit on 30 and 31 March 2021

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | the Medical Council of New Zealand (the Council) is considering making changes to the advanced life support (ACLS) requirement for interns in the Provisional General scope of practice (postgraduate year 1, or PGY1) interns.

This draft statement outlines what is expected of doctors when harm to patients occurs as a direct result of medical care. See the consultation section of our website to provide feedback on this draft statement.

NZCSRH accreditation report 2026.

We will achieve our vision, deliver on our purpose, uphold the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and be a sustainable organisation through our strategic priorities.

V1 Superseded version of Council's Te Mahere Rautaki Strategic Plan.

V2 Superseded version of Council's Te Mahere Rautaki Strategic Plan.

This guide outlines the role of the advisory panel as well as providing information on ePort use for advisory panel members.

This policy outlines the process we follow when requiring that a doctor has an approved chaperone present during their consultations.

All doctors have a duty to act on their concerns about another doctor, but doctors in management roles have an extra responsibility to ensure that there are appropriate reporting procedures in place, and these procedures are known to staff who may need to use them. This statement provides guidance for doctors who are concerned about a medical colleague's conduct, performance, competence or health, and provides suggestions on what to do and who to approach.

Our definition of the practice of medicine and clinical practice

Council has not issued standards specific to practice within the purpose of the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (EOLCA). Council considers that the provision of health services under the EOLCA falls within the wider practice of medicine, to which Council’s statements are directed. This document sets out existing Council statements alongside the relevant sections of the EOLCA.

Doctor-patient relationships can come to an end for a variety of reasons, commonly when the patient moves to another area or chooses to see another doctor, but also when the relationship breaks down and either the doctor or patient decides to discontinue the professional relationship. We outline in this statement the process for discontinuing patient care, and the need to do so in a fair and professional manner.

Progress update on Lakes' accreditation as at 27 October 2023

Diagram showing the basic layout of the stations candidates will rotate around during the NZREX Clinical.

NZREX Clinical - Checklist of documentation that must be provided with application.

NZREX Clinical - Application for recount of result

These standards identify the basic elements that must exist in all accredited prevocational intern training programmes. Providers of prevocational training programmes must demonstrate they meet these accreditation standards.

This document sets out Council’s Policy in regards to prevocational medical training. It outlines the requirements for each component of prevocational medical training from PGY1 through to the end of PGY2.

The vocational practice assessment (VPA) is Council’s preferred tool for assessing competence and applies specifically to IMGs that Council deem eligible for registration within a provisional vocational scope of practice (assessment pathway).

Prescribing medicines and treatment is an essential part of medical practice. This statement outlines what good prescribing practice involves and the legal requirements doctors must comply with.

FORM SUPERSEDED - Please use the new REG12 form
Application for a practising certificate for international medical graduates registered on a provisional vocational scope returning to medical practice in New Zealand

Sample questions from the NZREX Clinical to help candidates prepare.

Terms of reference for our Education Committee, approved by Council in December 2025.

This document covers the terms of reference and delegations of Council's Health Committee. Te Rōpū Hauora | the Health Committee (the Committee) is a standing committee of Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand.

This gazette notice lists the fees payable from 1 July 2025.

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Te Whatu Ora - Waitemata following site visit on 28 and 29 November 2023

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - end of year report for 2017

Report on our progress with strategic directions and initiatives for the 12 month period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017

Report on our progress with strategic directions and initiatives for the 12 month period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for South Canterbury District Health Board following site visit on 24 and 25 July 2018

Checklist 13: Special purpose - locum tenens - only for use with online applications made via myMCNZ

Checklist 2: United Kingdom and Irish medical graduates - only for use with online applications made via myMCNZ

Council, in partnership with Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa (Te ORA), jointly hosted a highly successful symposium on cultural competence, partnership and health equity on 25 June 2019. The theme of the symposium was Mahia te mahi, hei painga mō te iwi, Getting the job done for the wellbeing of the people. The event aimed to investigate ways of working together to improve cultural safety in order to work towards eliminating health inequities. This booklet brings together the presentations and whakaaro shared at the symposium.

A community-based attachment is an educational experience in an accredited clinical attachment in a community-focused service in which the intern is engaged in caring for the patient and managing their illness in the context of their family and community.

Profiles of the candidates in our 2021 Council election

This guide for supervisors of IMGs outlines how to access supervision reports through Council's myMCNZ portal, as well as how to complete and submit them.

Application for registration as a physician associate in New Zealand.

This sheet provides information on how Professional Conduct Committees (PCCs) request information, what powers they must obtain information, what they do with information they receive, and answers some frequently asked questions.

It is recommended that in every Collegial Relationship meeting time is set aside to review and develop the doctor’s PDP. The goal of the PDP is to encourage reflective practice and to provide a means of addressing identified learning needs.

Authentic, authoritative and comprehensive references are necessary to ensure that Council can make decisions related to the applicant’s fitness and competence to practise in New Zealand.

The Prevocational Educational Supervisors Guide outlines the role of the prevocational educational supervisor in the prevocational medical training programme.

Doctors must meet the standards laid out in the Council’s statement on Good Prescribing Practice. (The Principles for Quality and Safe Prescribing Practice are already reflected in our statement on prescribing.) This document is a helpful resource, particularly for new doctors and IMGs new to New Zealand, that can be read alongside our statement. These principles were developed jointly by 7 responsible authorities.

DHBNZ - Request for Reference: Resident Medical Officer Position

Resource constraints are a reality in health care. For doctors, this often means prioritising based on clinical need and waiting lists. This statement guides doctors working in a resource-constrained environment by setting out ethical principles and practical advice.

This document is a copy of all written submissions we received when we consulted on our discussion document around strengthening recertification for vocationally-registered doctors. Feedback is published according to submitters preference for anonymity.

The ePort privacy statement explains how the Council collects, stores, uses and shares information through ePort and outlines the standards and requirements in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the relevant privacy principles.

These standards have been superseded by the 2022 standards above.

If you're applying for registration in the vocational scope and did your postgraduate training outside of New Zealand and Australia, this policy outlines the rules that will apply when we consider your application.

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Whanganui District Health Board following site visit on 1 and 2 April 2019

Update on Auckland's accreditation status as at 8 November 2024

In late 2009 we asked the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) to undertake a full review of how we were performing. This is their report on how we did.

In May 2019 Council consulted with stakeholders on a revised statement and resource on cultural competence, cultural safety and achieving best health outcomes for Māori. The feedback can be found here. The final documents were completed in October 2019.

Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, responsible authorities such as the Medical Council undergo regular independent reviews of how they are carrying out their statutory functions. The Act requires responsible authorities to publish their review report on their website.

This guide outlines why doctors may have conditions on their practice, how to find out if a doctor has conditions, and what some of the different types of conditions mean for you as a patient.

Letter from Mr Andrew Connolly to the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) and the 20 District Health Boards regarding continued industrial action.

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1982 to 30 June 1983

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1983 to 30 June 1984

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1986 to 30 June 1987

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1987 to 30 June 1988

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1989 to 30 June 1990

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1994 to 30 June 1995

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020

Council's annual report for the year from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2015

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

Our strategic plan for the period from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019

Our Strategic plan for 2021 – 2025 outlines our vision and purpose and how we will enhance the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through achieving our strategic priorities.

In this issue of Medical Council News we acknowledge the contribution and mana of Mr Andrew Connolly, our Chair and leader over the last five years. We also highlight our two new statements on professional and sexual boundaries in the doctor-patient relationship and the Ministry shares guidance around new laws relating to medicinal cannabis.

In the November 2015 edition of Medical Council News we looked at stimulating debate amongst health organisations about the urgent need to address Māori health inequity, concerns around processing laboratory results, retrospective changes to patient records and why British doctors move to New Zealand.

In this issue of Medical Council News, we look at outcomes and initiatives from the Council’s planning day, our discussion paper Better Data – the benefits to the profession and the public, Council’s revised Statement on advertising, doctors’ responsibilities around aviation safety and the need to provide more detail on medical certificates.

This document outlines the various options available to the Notifications Triage Team (NTT) and Council when considering a notification about a doctor.

This handbook is intended as a guide for doctors undergoing performance assessments and aims to provide you with an understanding of how performance assessments work,
and to ensure that there are no surprises for you throughout the assessment process

We recognise Taiwanese medical schools so that graduates from these schools have the opportunity to undertake NZREX Clinical. We must ensure we only register fully qualified doctors. However, the exclusion of Taiwanese medical schools from WDOMS is due to political factors and not the standard of those schools. The ECFMG has approved graduates of these schools to undertake the prerequisite examination - USMLE Steps 1 and 2.

This policy gives an overview of the rules we apply in deciding whether to register as a doctor or physician associate in New Zealand. There will also be a specific policy that applies to the pathway you are registering under and the two policies should be read together.

This guide outlines the requirements for PGY1 and PGY2

This Memorandum of Understanding is made on the 24th day of August 2017
between Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand
and The New Zealand Police.

Under the HPCAA, doctors can have their competence or performance reviewed at any time, or in response to concerns about their practice. This guide outlines what you can expect if you are undergoing a performance assessment

Doctors are often asked for input by their family and friends. This may include requests for medical advice or a prescription, or more substantial involvement such as performing a procedure. This statement explains why doctors must avoid treating themselves and those they have a close personal relationship with.

Update on Waitemata's accreditation status as at 8 November 2024

This report presents the results of our 2024 workforce survey. Key findings include the continuing increase in the proportion of Māori and female doctors in the workforce, as well as a 3.4 percent increase in the overall size of the workforce.

This report presents the results of the 2026 workforce survey. Key findings include 21,097 practising doctors, a 2.8% rise from last year. Over half are women, and representation of Māori (5.8%) and Pacific (2.8%) doctors is growing.

Training providers that offer vocational medical training and recertification programmes must gain accreditation with the Council by meeting the Accreditation standards for Aotearoa New Zealand training providers of vocational medical training and recertification programmes (2022).

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Te Whatu Ora - Te Toka Tumai Auckland following site visit on 27 and 28 March 2024

These standards will come into effect on 1 July 2022. The standards outline the standards vocational training providers need to meet in order to be accredited to provide vocational medical training and recertification programmes. We have made revisions to update recertification, cultural safety, health equity and specialist assessment of IMG content.

Under section 14 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (“Act”), Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa |
Medical Council of New Zealand (“Council”) gives notice of an amendment to the notice titled “Scopes of Practice and
Prescribed Qualifications for the Practice of Medicine in New Zealand Notice 2024” published in the New Zealand Gazette, 30 September 2024, Notice No. 2024-sl4580

In 2019, Council released strengthened Recertification requirements for vocationally-registered doctors practising in New Zealand. Council is now reviewing its accreditation standards for providers of vocational recertification programmes to ensure these align with the new recertification requirements.

Malatest International's final evaluation report of our Regular Practice Review Programme

This report outlines the findings of our evaluation of the ‘Welcome to practice in Aotearoa New Zealand’ workshops for international medical graduates.

Update on Hutt Valley's accreditation status as at 14 December 2023

To apply for registration within a special purpose (locum tenens) scope of practice, you must first hold an approved postgraduate qualification in the branch of medicine in which you want to work, and then meet remaining requirements outlined in the registration policy.

Medical Council of New Zealand: Establishing a Prevocational Training Baseline. A report commissioned by Council and prepared by Malatest International

These guidelines set out the roles and responsibilities for international medical graduates (IMGs) coming to work in New Zealand, and their employers and supervisors.

Checklist 5: Practice profile form for use by physician associates when applying for registration

This document sets out Council’s policy in regards to accrediting training providers of prevocational medical training (training providers) and their clinical attachments. It outlines the components of the accreditation assessment.

This policy applies if you're applying for registration temporarily to teach, train, carry out research, work as a locum tenens specialist, assist in an emergency or work as a teleradiologist.

These standards only apply until 1 July 2020. This document outlines the standards New Zealand Colleges must meet in order to be reaccredited.

Update on Southern DHB's accreditation report as at 14 December 2023

Update on Taranaki DHB's accreditation status as at 28 March 2024

Update on Wairarapa DHB's accreditation status as at 14 December 2023

Update on Waitaha Canterbury's accreditation status as at 14 December 2023

Update on Whanganui DHB's accreditation status as at 25 May 2022

This quick guide for stakeholders covers how to make an online claim through myMCNZ.

We are reviewing our statement on Advertising. This draft statement highlights several ethical issues that arise with advertising such as the potential for overtreatment, and the power and knowledge imbalance between a doctor and a patient.

This document sets out the standards against which prevocational medical training programmes are
accredited by Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand (Council).

Update on Counties Manukau's accreditation status as at 14 December 2023

These are the current standards and have been updated to reflect the changes to ACLS requirements for interns. These standards identify the basic elements that must exist in all accredited prevocational intern training programmes. Providers of prevocational training programmes must demonstrate they meet these accreditation standards.

Our five-year strategic plan through to 2010

Medical Council's five-year strategic plan through to 2022

NZCSRH accreditation update status as of 15 August 2024

Update on Nelson Marlborough's accreditation status as at 28 March 2024

Checklist 3: Canada qualifications-based – checklist for registration in New Zealand

Checklist 4: New Zealand experiential - checklist for registration in New Zealand.

This document outlines the standards that an applicant will be assessed against.

Report on our progress with its strategic directions covering the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013.

Update on Te Tai Tokerau's accreditation status as at 8 November 2024

An amendment to our current scopes of practice and prescribed qualifications correcting the commencement date (as published in the New Zealand Gazette on 1 October 2024).

Prevocational medical training accreditation report: Bay of Plenty District Health Board

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Counties Manukau DHB following site visit on 27 and 28 August 2019

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Waitemata District Health Board following site visit on 4 and 5 September 2018

This guidance explains what doctors should consider when using artificial intelligence (AI) in patient care. Because AI is increasingly being used in medical practice, it is essential that doctors do so ethically and responsibly, to ensure patient safety and the privacy of health information.

This draft statement sets out legal and ethical considerations as a doctor when responding to a medical emergency. It also discusses a number of factors you should consider when you attend to a medical emergency, whether that emergency is within a healthcare facility, or in a non-clinical setting, such as in the community.

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - Interim report to November 2014

Council is proposing to extend the provisional vocational assessment period from 18 to 24 months. This will enable a specific cohort of specialist IMGs who may not otherwise meet the standard, to gain provisional vocational registration and complete discrete training to address identified
deficiencies in their qualifications, training and experience.

This document outlines the adjustments to our existing fees and disciplinary levy effective 1 July 2021, made using an activity-based costing methodology, and following an extensive review process.

Vaccination is a crucial part of the New Zealand public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health practitioners can help to protect themselves, their patients, and the wider community by getting their COVID-19 vaccination.

This guide sets out the information required for accredited New Zealand training organisations who are preparing for a Medical Council of New Zealand (Council) assessment for reaccreditation. This guide applies to the current standards that are in effect until 30 June 2020.

This guide sets out the information required of accredited training providers who are preparing for an accreditation site visit. This guide should be read alongside the self-assessment for training providers to apply for accreditation for prevocational medical training.

NZCSRH accreditation update status as of February 2026

Checklist 1: United Kingdom qualifications-based - checklist for registration in New Zealand.

Checklist 2: United States of America qualifications-based – checklist for registration in New Zealand

Application for a physician associate general scope of practice

PGY2-OS - Application for pre-approval to complete PGY2 overseas

PGY2-OSER - Application for removal of PGY2 endorsement after completing PGY2 year overseas or when when referred to Council by Advisory Panel

Council report following an independent review of the implementation of the prevocational medical training programme for interns. The independent review was commissioned by Council and carried out by an Implementation Review Group chaired by Dr Kenneth Clark, Chair of the National District Health Board Chief Medical Officer Group.

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand set these Professional Standards for Physician Associates 2026 (the standards) under section 118(1)(i) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. The standards will come into force on 1 October 2026.

RNZCUC accreditation report relating to the visit on 21 and 23 October 2025

Council's submission to Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health on their consultation around the regulation of physician associates under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

This form outlines the additional information that will be required by the RNZCGP so it can provide us with advice on your application for vocational registration in general practice.

This policy details the advanced cardiac life support requirement for PGY1 interns.

Prevocational Training Requirements for Doctors in
New Zealand: a discussion paper on options for an enhanced training framework

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Northland DHB following site visit on 1 and 2September 2021

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Taranaki District Health Board following site visit on 27 and 28 July 2021

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Southern District Health Board following site visit on 26 August 2020.

Prevocational medical training accreditation report for Tairāwhiti District Health Board following site visit on 4 and 5 May 2021

ES1 application form for authorisation to provide secondary maternity services

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - mid year report for 2016

Malatest Evaluation of the RPR Programme: mid-year 2017

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - mid year report for 2018

Malatest Evaluation of the RPR Programme - end of year 2014

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - end of year report for 2016

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - end of year report for 2017

Evaluation of Council's RPR programme by Malatest International - mid year report for 2015

NZAMM accreditation report relating to the visit on 18-19 November 2020

NZDSI accreditation report relating to the visit on 3 and 4 August 2022

Doctors accompanying individuals or groups of people visiting New Zealand who will provide medical diagnosis, treatment or advice only to those individuals or groups, and who are not registered with the Medical Council will not be required to obtain registration and a practising certificate, so long as they restrict their practice to those individuals or groups for the duration of their visit.

This guide sets out the accreditation process for Aotearoa New Zealand-only vocational training providers that are currently accredited by MCNZ. It applies both to currently accredited providers seeking reaccreditation, as well as unaccredited providers seeking accreditation.

RNZCGP accreditation report relating to the visit from 18 to 21 March 2024