Notifications to the Health and Disability Commissioner

You can make a notification directly to the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC). The HDC's role is to promote and protect your rights as set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (The Code).

The HDC tries to resolve notifications fairly and quickly. If they decide the Code has been breached,the HDC may require the practitioner to make changes to the way they practise, for example making improvements to their informed consent material and procedures. The HDC may also refer the matter to us.

In some circumstances, the HDC may refer the matter to the Director of Proceedings. If this happens, the doctor may have to answer charges in front of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. For more information about this please contact the HDC directly.

You can contact the HDC via their website link below or by calling 0800 112 233.

Health and disability Commissioner

The Health and Disability Commissioner is an independent watchdog, providing health and disability services consumers with a voice, resolving notifications, and holding providers to account for improving their practices at an individual and system-wide level.

Health and Disability Commissioner code of rights

When you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you have the protection of a Code of Rights. This page on the HDC website outlines those rights.