Regulation to open a pathway to bringing more PAs to New Zealand
The New Zealand government has announced that physician associates will become a regulated profession under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the move demonstrates the government's commitment to patient safety and providing high-quality care.
"By regulating physician associates, they will be required to meet clear standards that are appropriate for the New Zealand health system, including training, supervision, and ongoing professional development," Brown said in a statement.
There are currently about 50 physician associates in New Zealand, according to the health minister, who expects their numbers to grow over the coming years.
Physician associates are overseas-trained health professionals who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients under a doctor's supervision.
"They work in a range of health settings in New Zealand, such as general practice and hospitals, assisting with both clinical and administrative tasks to ensure patient needs are met," Brown said.
The New Zealand Physician Associate Society (NZPAS) said the announcement is a "significant milestone" in improving the country's healthcare system.
"Regulation opens a pathway to bringing more PAs to Aotearoa and is a solution to health inequities in hard-to-staff and remote areas," said Lisa deWolfe, NZPAS regulation chair, in a statement.
"It will also enable PAs to work to the full extent of their training within healthcare teams — improving efficiency, continuity of care, and outcomes for patients."
The regulation of physician associates in New Zealand adds to the government's reforms in the healthcare workforce.
It recently amended the Medicines Act to provide nurse practitioners greater prescribing rights, as well as changed regulations to allow podiatrists to prescribe medicines related to their role.
"Ensuring that all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government," Brown said. "I look forward to seeing how health services use this growing resource to meet our priorities."
