Consultation - AT proposed scope of practice and competence standards
15 Aug, 2024
We’re consulting and invite anaesthetic technician practitioners and stakeholders to provide feedback on a proposed update to the scope of practice and competence standards for anaesthetic technicians.
The consultation will be open for a period of six weeks from 15 August 2024 to 5pm, 30 September 2024.
Links to view the proposed scope of practice, competence standards and the consultation document (with links/information on how to give feedback and attend the webinar) are at the bottom of the page.
The current scope of practice (Gazette notice) and competence standards can be viewed here and here.
Why now?
In 2023, Te Kaunihera Pūtaiao Hauora O Aotearoa | The Medical Sciences Council (the Council) conducted a review of the scope of practice and other related documents for anaesthetic technicians. In April 2024 the project was paused as the Ministry of Health highlighted a potential issue with the way the gazette notice was framed. This has now been considered and the proposed gazette notice reframed.
Webinar
The Council held a webinar to discuss the proposal on Tuesday, 27 August 2024 at 7pm.We recorded it for those who couldn't make it. You can view it here.
Your feedback
We invite you to provide feedback on the proposed Scope of Practice and Competence Standards by completing an online survey. This consultation will close at 5pm on 30 September 2024.
We will review the feedback we receive and then be in touch about the outcome and next steps.
If you have any queries, please view the FAQs below – you can also get in touch by emailing mscconsultations@medsci.co.nz or phoning 04 801 6250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the title of Anaesthetic technician been retained?
Last year, the Council developed a revised scope of practice statement. As part of the normal processes of review, Manatu Hauora ǀ Ministry of Health provided feedback regarding the proposed title of perioperative practice and how it was framed. Consequently, the Council has developed a revised scope of practice statement.
The draft statement retains the title Anaesthetic Technician but seeks to ensure the revised statement accurately reflects how practitioners practise in 2024, and ensures the scope is described in a manner that adequately future proofs the profession.
What does this mean for me and my practice?
Practitioners may continue to practice as usual. The scope of practice is being revised and consulted on at this time.
Why has the Council made these changes?
Like many health professions, the practice of anaesthetic technology continues to evolve in a way that reflects changes in the New Zealand population, workforce and health priorities. The scope of practice and competence standards must keep pace with these changes to make sure practitioners are equipped to provide safe care to the public, now and into the future.
Why does the Council set the scope of practice and standards?
The Council is required to define the scope of practice, and standards of practice for anaesthetic technicians under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act).
The core elements of the competence standards – that is the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours a practitioner develops (through education, training, and work experience) – form a framework that describes the competencies and behaviours expected of anaesthetic technicians in their daily practice.
What’s the webinar about?
The purpose of the webinar is to give practitioners an opportunity to discuss with the Council the proposed changes. We understand how busy everyone is – if you can’t make it, then think about asking someone to represent you and/or others. And if you want to send us your questions ahead of time, please email them to mscconsultations@medsci.co.nz before 27 August 2024.
The Webinar will be recorded for those who cannot attend the scheduled time.
Before you join the webinar, if you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to read the current and proposed documents (refer to the links in the news item).
How do I access the webinar?
To register for the webinar on Tuesday, 27 August 2024 at 7pm, please click here. If you have specific questions you would like answered in the webinar then please email us at mscconsultations@medsci.co.nz before then. We aim to record the webinar so those who can’t make it can view later.