News and Policy Issues
The NZMA advocates on behalf of doctors and patients on many of the most important issues in medicine today. We have a pro-active media strategy, and have developed policy positions and submissions on many medical, political, medico-legal and public health issues.
Health Information Strategy Action Committee (HISAC)
Letter to medical practitioners
NZMA President's Oration 2008
NZMA President's Oration 2007
For Auckland doctors
Information compiled by NZMA for Auckland doctors
Statement by Dr Mark Peterson
Beyond the Med School Gates - Life in the Real World
NZMA Leadership Fund
ACC Accredited Employers
ACC contact people (pdf)
Coronial Services of New Zealand
Contact details for regional Coroners
Ministry of Transport advisory to medical practitioners
From 31 March 2007, patients intending to travel overseas may be affected by changes limiting the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels they can carry in their hand luggage. They will only be able to take liquids, aerosols and gels on-board in containers of no more than 100ml in volume. They will be able to carry other supplies in their checked bags.
An exemption for essential medicines, baby products and dietary supplements in liquid, aerosol or gel form greater than 100ml is in place. These items are exempt in quantities that are reasonable for the duration of the flight(s).
Further information about these changes, including a set of frequently asked questions can be found in the information Sheet. Ministry of Transport - Fly Smart Flyer (pdf)
Changes to
Older Driver Licensing
Mandatory driving tests for
people 80 and over will end in December 2006. New
education and information packages will be made available, before December 2006,
to GPs and health practitioners who are advising older drivers. A Medical
Certificate for Driver Licence, indicating fitness to drive, will be required
for drivers to re-license at 75, 80 and at two-yearly intervals thereafter.
Doctors will retain the ability to refer patients for specialist assessments. A
new option will allow GPs to refer patients 75 and over for an on-road driving
test in some circumstances, such as when there are doubts about a driver's
ability to drive safely. Below are links to a
question and answer sheet for general practitioners
outlining the new system. There is also a handout for
doctors to give to older driver patients explaining the changes.
Questions and Answers for General Practitioners -
New Older Driver Licensing
Handout for older drivers - information sheet
New Immigration Handbook for Medical Examiners
Immigration New Zealand's new Handbook for Medical Examiners is now available. The Handbook is a guide for Immigration New Zealand Medical Examiners completing the Medical and Chest X-Ray Certificate (NZIS 1007 August 2005). You can find out more, and download the Handbook and associated documents from the Immigration New Zealand website: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/medicalhandbook.
Changes to Migrant Health Screening Requirements
Information sheet on
Migrant Health Screening Requirements
Frequently Asked
Questions
Flow Chart - Which Medical Certificate Should I Complete?