Overview of Medical Council of New Zealand and contact details:
The Medical Council administers the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA). The principle purpose of the HPCAA is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by ensuring health practitioners are competent and fit to practise.
The Medical Council:
- registers doctors
- sets standards and guidelines for medical education, medical practice and continuing professional development
- reviews practising doctors if there are concerns about their competence, conduct or health.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it What is medical registration?
Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand is mandatory for all practising doctors, and a register is available for the public. Check the 'find a registered doctor' link on the Council's website to see what information is available on the medical register.
What is an Annual Practising Certificate (APC)?
Your APC is your licence to practise, and must be renewed each year. You will be asked to provide information about your personal health, competence, and conduct and also about your participation in appropriate continuing professional development. You must provide evidence of this if you are asked to do so as part of our audit process. Renewal of your APC is called recertification and confirms to the public that you are competent and fit to practise.
How much does it cost?
Please contact MCNZ for the most up to date costs associated with registration and registration categories.
Who pays the registration and APC fees? Can they be claimed back from DHB?
You are required to pay your initial application and APC fees yourself. Check your employment contract for details about claiming the fees back from your employer.
How do I get registered to work when I start my first job as a house officer (having graduated from a New Zealand university)?
Registration application forms are sent out to all trainee interns via the medical schools in July each year. Application forms must be returned with payment by the middle of October. APCs will be issued once the Council has received the pass lists from the university, and before you start work.
What type of registration do I get in my first year?
You will be registered in a provisional general scope of practice and must work under supervision as an intern for at least 12 months.
What type of registration do I get in my second year and how do I qualify for this?
You may apply for registration in a general scope of practice after 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance during your internship. You will have an intern supervisor at your hospital to advise you during this time. During the 12 months you must complete a mixture of medical and surgical runs to consolidate your undergraduate education. Full details of these requirements will be sent to you with your registration documents after you finish your degree course.
What happens if my registration expires?
You will be sent an APC before you start work ? check the certificate to see when it expires. An application form to renew your APC will be sent to your registered address six weeks before your current APC expires. If you work without an APC your indemnity insurance will be invalidated, and you could be disciplined if a complaint is received about work you have done while you did not have an APC.
Any other important information.
Always remember to notify the Council of any change to your contact address. If we cannot contact you, your name may be removed from the medical register.
