New Zealand's health practitioners disciplinary tribunal

On 17 September 2004 New Zealand created a multidisciplinary Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. The new Tribunal hears disciplinary charges laid against all registered health professionals in New Zealand. It is believed the New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal is the only organisation of its kind functioning at the moment There are 19 categories of health professionals registered in New Zealand who may be subject to the Tribunal's jurisdiction. This paper will: Describe the rationale for the establishment of a single Tribunal to hear disciplinary charges against all registered health professionals; Explain the structure of the new organisation; Examine the procedures followed by the Tribunal; Assess the likely impact of the Tribunal on the regulation of health professional standards in New Zealand.