NZRDA urges caution as physician associates become regulated in New Zealand

The New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (NZRDA) is urging the public to stay vigilant following today’s announcement that Physician Associates (PAs) are now officially a regulated healthcare workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.

While PAs will be regulated by the Medical Council, this was at the direction of the Minister of Health, not because PAs are medical practitioners.

“Physician Associates are not doctors,” said Dr Deborah Powell, National Secretary of the NZRDA. “They do not have medical degrees, they have not been to medical school, and they do not have the same training as a doctor. It is crucial that patients and their whānau know the difference.”

Overseas evidence shows that confusion over this role has led to serious patient harm, and in the worst cases, preventable deaths. These tragedies occurred because patients and their family members incorrectly believed they were seeing a doctor; a confusion made worse by the use of “physician” in their title.

“Patient safety must continue to remain of utmost priority, which requires clear informed consent. PAs must clearly state they are not a doctor in every single interaction, so that patients can make an informed decision in their own care,” said Dr Powell.

The NZRDA encourages anyone receiving care to check who is treating them:

• Ask directly – If you are unsure, ask “Are you a doctor?”
• Know your rights – You always have the right to ask to see a doctor.

Further information is available here

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Dr Deborah Powell
NZRDA National Secretary
Phone: 021 614 040
Email: secretary@nzrda.org.nz