Medicine at the fringes

Until the new Act is in operation, and assuming it has strong and clear sections covering competence, the Medical Council of New Zealand is left with the need to manage unorthodoxy as a form of misconduct unless there is a mental health problem. Charges of misconduct unless there is a mental health problem. Charges of misconduct may arise of there is: harm to patients inadequate information and consent including false representation of the theoretical base of diagnostic method or management, or the training of the doctor, short cuts in the standard methods of diagnosis with the use of unproven and unrecognised methods, treatment programmes that are inappropriate, unjustified, unproven or unsupported by a substantial body of opinion, or that omit consideration if orthodox methods. exploitation in terms of securing patients, financial gain and inadequate aftercare.