WEBVTT

00:00:00.860 --> 00:00:05.410 align:middle line:90%
Health regulators are the authorities who
regulate the health professions in New Zealand.

00:00:05.410 --> 00:00:08.620 align:middle line:84%
Although based in Wellington, health regulators cover the whole country

00:00:08.620 --> 00:00:12.880 align:middle line:84%
and their prime purpose is to protect the health and safety of all New Zealanders.

00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:16.520 align:middle line:84%
They do this by ensuring that the treatment and healthcare you receive

00:00:16.520 --> 00:00:19.810 align:middle line:84%
from a registered health practitioner is of a safe standard.

00:00:19.810 --> 00:00:23.730 align:middle line:84%
All health regulators in New Zealand operate under a single piece of legislation

00:00:23.730 --> 00:00:27.380 align:middle line:84%
The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

00:00:27.380 --> 00:00:32.180 align:middle line:84%
The Act provides a framework for regulators to confirm your ongoing health and safety by:

00:00:32.180 --> 00:00:37.820 align:middle line:84%
Ensuring that practitioners are properly trained, of good standing and qualified before they are registered;

00:00:37.820 --> 00:00:41.800 align:middle line:84%
Requiring practitioners to continually update and maintain their skills;

00:00:41.800 --> 00:00:45.540 align:middle line:84%
Ensuring practitioners are physically and mentally fit to practise;

00:00:45.540 --> 00:00:50.800 align:middle line:84%
Taking steps to ensure health practitioners are safe to practise, if competence concerns are raised; and

00:00:50.800 --> 00:00:53.480 align:middle line:84%
Managing complaints about practitioners.

00:00:53.480 --> 00:00:57.080 align:middle line:90%
The health regulators are independent separate
legal bodies.

00:00:57.080 --> 00:01:00.760 align:middle line:84%
Each regulator has its own organisation made up of a board or council

00:01:00.760 --> 00:01:04.440 align:middle line:84%
appointed by the Minister of Health and supported by operational staff.

00:01:04.440 --> 00:01:08.300 align:middle line:84%
Each of the health regulators has an online register of its practitioners.

00:01:08.300 --> 00:01:11.340 align:middle line:84%
The register shows whether the practitioner is currently registered

00:01:11.340 --> 00:01:14.700 align:middle line:84%
and holds a practising certificate, permitting them to practise.

00:01:14.700 --> 00:01:18.640 align:middle line:84%
Some practitioners have to work under certain conditions that appear on the register.

00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:22.620 align:middle line:90%
These conditions can vary but they are all
concerned with keeping you safe.

00:01:22.620 --> 00:01:25.820 align:middle line:84%
It’s a good idea to check that your health practitioner is registered

00:01:25.820 --> 00:01:30.500 align:middle line:84%
and holds a current practising certificate, as they cannot legally practise without one.

00:01:30.500 --> 00:01:35.380 align:middle line:84%
Each year your health practitioner must apply to renew their Annual Practising Certificate.

00:01:35.380 --> 00:01:38.480 align:middle line:84%
It is at this time that checks will be made on the practitioner’s competence

00:01:38.480 --> 00:01:40.660 align:middle line:84%
and continued fitness to practice.

00:01:40.660 --> 00:01:46.620 align:middle line:84%
Each practitioner is registered in a scope of practice, which describes the type of work they can carry out.

00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:49.020 align:middle line:84%
Annual Practising Certificates are valid for a year,

00:01:49.020 --> 00:01:52.530 align:middle line:90%
or in some cases a shorter period, so it’s
always good to check.

00:01:52.530 --> 00:01:57.180 align:middle line:84%
So by ensuring practitioners are safe, competent, and fit to practise,

00:01:57.180 --> 00:02:02.180 align:middle line:84%
health regulators are working to protect the health and safety of all New Zealanders.