New Zealand Medical Association compulsory membership

This present thesis suggests that, with appropriate changes in both the Medical Practitioners Act and in the articles and rules of the Medical Association, it would be far preferable to continue the traditional separation. One body concerned with overall registration, standards, conduct and health and the other concerned essentially with the interests of the profession and of the conditions of work of that profession. Strengthening of the NZMA regional activities, including less serious discipline, should be considered. It seems that the NZMA would be taking an enormous risk in opening up such a regulatory act to public scrutiny at this time. The law profession, in an earlier generation, chose differently and in their independent role have maintained public acceptability. The public, much more involved in the provision of a health service, might well now wish a major part of the doctors' regulation and this may not always be congruent with our own profession's interests.