Physician Associate Regulation ‘A Watershed Moment’ For NZ Health Sector

The Government’s decision to regulate physician associates (PAs) is a watershed moment for the New Zealand health sector, Gore Health CEO Dr Karl Metzler says.

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today that Cabinet had signed off the move to regulate PAs. Regulation will help to protect, promote and maintain a framework for the health, well-being and safety of the public, and promote and offer assurance of the public confidence in the PA profession.

PAs are highly trained healthcare providers who practice medicine and work within the healthcare system along with other team members to improve patient health. They practice medicine in collaboration with, and under the license of their supervising physician.

There are about 50 PAs spread across 29 clinics throughout New Zealand, who work in the same scope of care as their supervising doctors.

Metzler said that after 12 years of advocating for this critical profession to be recognised and valued through formal regulation, it was a truly watershed moment for the NZ health sector.

“I commend Minster Brown and the Ministry for their vision and support. Thank you.”

He also recognised the advocacy of previous Health Minister Dr Shane Reti, who was a strong supporter of PAs and the need for regulation.

PAs were playing a crucial role in helping to address New Zealand’s significant health workforce crisis, he said.

Metzler praised his front-line staff and said he wanted to acknowledge their loyalty and courage to keep working alongside PA colleagues.

“You have remained steadfast in the face of some significant push back, to keep supporting the physician associate profession.”

Gore Health has employed PAs since 2012 and they would not have been able to maintain the 24/7 Emergency Department without them, he said.

PAs provided critical support to doctors, helped reduce patient wait times and increased access to healthcare in under-served areas, Metzler said.

Their presence had also reduced the load on doctors, consequently reducing burnout and retention issues, he said.

“It’s so exciting that the sector is finally going to get to truly appreciate and embrace the skills PAs bring to the table.”

Metzler said he would love to see a PA training programme up and running in New Zealand within three to five years.

© Scoop Media