Policy on the general scope

This policy outlines the requirements you must meet before you can be registered in the General scope of practice. This policy should be read alongside Council's policy on registration in New Zealand.

Policy on the general scope

We have set requirements you need to meet before you can be registered to work in New Zealand within a general scope of practice.

We will initially grant you registration within a provisional general scope of practice – if you have the qualifications we require and we believe you are fit for registration and competent to practise.

You will need to work within a provisional general scope for up to 2 years, subject to any conditions we specify, to satisfy us you have met all our requirements for registration within a general scope of practice.

The only exception is for graduates from a New Zealand or Australian university medical school who have completed their internships in New Zealand or Australia. These doctors will be granted registration in a general scope of practice – and a vocational scope, if appropriate.

If you fail to satisfy the conditions we’ve put on your practice (to ensure your competence within a general scope of practice within 2 years), your application for a Practising Certificate will be referred to our Council under section 27(1)(b) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.

Tumescent liposuction policy

If you are registered in a general scope or a vocational scope of general practice and you wish to perform tumescent liposuction you must apply to Council for an expansion to your scope of practice.  This policy outlines the Council’s expectations.