Health Process Information

The Council has appointed a Health Committee made up of three Council members to consider whether a nurse is unable to perform the functions required for the practice of nursing because of a mental or physical condition (which includes impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse).

Although the Committee's primary purpose is public safety, the Committee sees its role as a supportive one in recognising that a nurse may be unwell and/or is recovering from a health condition and therefore makes every endeavour to assist the nurse through the process. A nurse advisor co-ordinates the health process and provides a central point of contact for the nurse. The nurse is also encouraged to contact a support person and/or a legal representative, to assist him or her through the process.

Notification of a nurse with a health condition

Notifications about a nurse's health condition must be in writing addressed to the Registrar. Mandatory notifications are required from any person who is:

• in charge of an organisation that provides health services
• a health practitioner
• an employer of health practitioners
• a medical officer of health
• in charge of an educational programme in New Zealand that provides a course of study that leads to a prescribed qualification for a nursing scope of practice.

Notifications from other people
Any other person who has reason to believe that a nurse is unable to perform the functions required for nursing because of some mental or physical condition may notify the Council.

Self-notification from a nurse
A nurse may notify the Council of a health issue or declare it on the application for a practising certificate.

Please note that health conditions that are temporary in nature and/or do not impact on a nurse's ability to practise, do not need to be declared.

Click here to download an information booklet outlining the health process.