The HPCA Act sets out the functions of authorities under part 6 section 118 (a-m). These functions are:
a) to prescribe the qualifications required for scopes of practice within the profession, and, for that purpose, to accredit and monitor educational institutions and degrees, courses of studies, or programmes:
b) to authorise the registration of health practitioners under this Act, and to maintain registers:
c) to consider applications for annual practising certificates:
d) to review and promote the competence of health practitioners:
e) to recognise, accredit, and set programmes to ensure the ongoing competence of health practitioners:
f) to receive information from any person about the practice, conduct, or competence of health practitioners and, if it is appropriate to do so, act on that information:
g) to notify employers, the Accident Compensation Corporation, the Director-General of Health, and the Health and Disability Commissioner that the practice of a health practitioner may pose a risk of harm to the public:
h) to consider the cases of health practitioners who may be unable to perform the functions required for the practice of the profession:
i) to set standards of clinical competence, cultural competence (including competencies that will enable effective and respectful interaction with Māori), and ethical conduct to be observed by health practitioners of the profession:
j) to liaise with other authorities appointed under this Act about matters of common interest:
ja) to promote and facilitate inter-disciplinary collaboration and co-operation in the delivery of health services:
k) to promote education and training in the profession:
l) to promote public awareness of the responsibilities of the authority:
m) to exercise and perform any other functions, powers, and duties that are conferred or imposed on it by or under this Act or any other enactment. |