Proposed Assistant/Associate Psychologist Role Update

Tēnā koutou katoa,

The New Zealand Psychologists Board | Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa met on Friday 27 June to consider a proposal of a new role that has been referenced previously as Assistant/Associate Psychologist. The Board was not satisfied that it had sufficient information before it to decide to approve a new scope of practice at this point. The Board considers that it needs more time, and further information and analysis, before a final decision can be made. Stakeholders can be assured that the Board retains an open mind on whether the proposed new scope of practice should be confirmed.

The Board notes that some stakeholders raised questions about the Board’s decision making process on this issue. It is important that the Board is clear to all stakeholders that the establishment of a new scope of practice is the responsibility of the Board, in accordance with the Board’s powers and responsibilities under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

Ngā mihi nui,

Vanessa Simpson – Chief Executive/Registrar | Tumuaki/Pouroki