A Broadened Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners

A new scope of practice into effect on 6 April 2017.

In the first major change since the establishment of the advanced role of the nurse practitioner in 2001, the scope of practice been broadened removing the requirement that nurse practitioners register in a specific area of practice.

The revised scope provides flexibility to enable nurse practitioners to safely and appropriately meet changing health needs with demand for care growing from aging, diverse, remote and underserved population groups and the increasing numbers of people living with chronic conditions.

The new scope and prescribed qualification has been implemented following extensive consultation and the publication of a notice in the New Zealand Gazette.

Gazette Notice of Replacement and Revocation of Notice for Nurse Practitioners (PDF, 30 KB)

More information about the new scope of practice and education can be found here

Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice

Nurse Practitioner education