Consultation Requests

The College is frequently consulted with, and contributes to, health and social policy which impacts on general practice.

If you are a College member, we would like your comments and feedback on the current consultation documents received from the health sector below:

 

 Inquiry into the determinants of wellbeing for Maori children

The Māori Affairs Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the determinants of wellbeing for Māori children and has written to the College asking for our submission.  

The terms of reference are to inquire into:

  1. The historical and current health, education, and welfare profiles of Māori children.  This would take account of the transmission of life circumstances between generations, and how this impacts on Māori children.
  2. The extent of public investment in Māori children across the health, education, social services, and justice sectors - and whether this investment is adequate and equitable.
  3. How public investment in the health, education, social services, and justice sectors can be used to ensure the well-being of Māori children.
  4. The social determinants necessary for healthy growth and development for Māori children.
  5. The significance of whānau for strengthening Māori children.
  6. Policy and legislative pathways to address the findings of this inquiry.

View further information on the parliamentary website.

Please forward your comments and feedback to Felicity Curtis by Friday 2 March.

 NZNO - Public views sought on standards of conduct for nurses

The Nursing Council is seeking public feedback on a new draft Code of Conduct it is developing for nurses. The purpose of the Code is to outline minimum standards of conduct for nurses, to inform the public of the standards nurses are expected to uphold and to provide a means by which the conduct of nurses can be evaluated – by the public, employers, and regulatory authorities who assess complaints about nurses.  If you would like to comment on the draft Code of Conduct, the document and background information is available here

The deadline for feedback is 25 February 2012.

 Mental Health Commission

The Mental Health Commission is developing a new Blueprint for the Mental Health and Addiction (MH&A) Sector in New Zealand.  The document proposes a new vision for the sector surrounding how the MH&A needs of New Zealanders will be met over the next 10 years.

The College is putting together a submission to the Mental Health Commission and would appreciate input from members.  If you would like to send us your thoughts on the new Blueprint please send an email to the Policy Team by Friday 2 March 2012.   The document is available for viewing here.

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 Folic Acid Fortification:  Extension to the commencement date

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fostery (MAF) has released a consultation document on ‘Folic Acid Fortification’ which considers two options around the timeframe set out in the New Zealand (Mandatory Fortification of Bread with Folic Acid) Food Standard 2007 (as amended in 2009).  To view and submit on this consultation please click here.  Submissions are due by Friday 24 February 2012.

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 Natural Health Products Bill

The Parliamentary Health Select Committee is inviting public submissions on the Natural Health Products Bill.  This bill establishes a system for the regulation of low-risk natural health products in New Zealand.  The College is intending to submit on this Bill and invites our Members to provide comments to inform the content of our submission.  The bill is available for viewing here.  Please send your comments to the College Policy Team by Wednesday 22 February.

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 Crown Entities Reform Bill (Establishment of a single Health Promotion Agency)

This bill authorises the disestablishment of related bodies to establish a single Health Promotion Agency. The entities that will be merged into one body include the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand - more commonly known as ALAC - the Health Sponsorship Council, and related aspects of the Ministry of Health. The Government Administration  Select Committee is still accepting submissions on this bill. Further information here.

The College would also be interested in hearing your thoughts on this issue so please send your comments to Policy.

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 MSD Green Paper for Vulnerable Children

The Ministry of Social Development has released a Green Paper which considers options for how the Government could better protect and improve outcomes for vulnerable children. The Government hopes to ensure that each child ‘thrives, belongs and achieves’ through a child-centred and family and whanau-focused approach.

The College will be submitting a response to the Green Paper, please send your comments to the College Policy Team by Monday 5 March if you would like to contribute. 

Green Paper for Vulnerable Children

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 PHARMAC Proposals

Proposal to amend the listing relating to Ranbaxy-Cefaclor 250 mg capsules

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to amend the listing relating to Ranbaxy-Cefaclor 250mg capsules through a provisional agreement with Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

View the proposal here.

Members wishing to comment on this proposal can do so by submitting comments to PHARMAC Therapeutic Group Manager Greg Williams by Friday, 2 March 2012.

Proposal to fund prasugrel

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund prasugrel hydrochloride (Effient) through a provisional agreement with Eli Lilly. 

View the proposal here.

Members wishing to comment on this proposal can do so by submitting comments to PHARMAC Therapeutic Group Manager Sue Anne Yee by Monday, 5 March 2012.

Proposal to amend restrictions relating to various ophthalmology products

PHARMAC is consulting on a proposal to amend restrictions relating to various ophthalmology products. View the proposal here.

Members wishing to comment on this proposal can do so by submitting comments to PHARMAC Therapeutic Group Manager Greg Williams by Wednesday 22 February 2012.

Changes to the infant formula funded for use in premature infants when discharged from hospital

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to replace the low birth weight formula that is currently funded for preterm infant use when discharged from hospital with a preterm post-discharge infant formula. View the proposal here.

Members wishing to comment on this proposal can do so by submitting comments to Stephen Woodruffe, Therapeutic Group Manager by Tuesday 28 February 2012.

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