scope:

General

This standard is applicable to a wide range of specialties, age groups, and service settings within the health and disability sector. It is the intention that this standard will become mandatory for relevant services through Minister approval under the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 and the Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act 2004.

Services that are not required to be certified under the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 should consider adopting this standard, as it promotes current accepted best practice.

Application

This standard applies to health and disability service providers in both public and private settings. The settings may range from small single-owner-operator services through to services provided by large, publicly funded hospitals.

Each service provider is unique. Specific interpretation, application, and contextualisation in each environment is required, relative to the provider's size, setting, complexity, risks associated with the service provision, and population being served.

For example, throughout the document there is reference to a governance body. In smaller providers that do not have a governance body - for example, single-owner-operators - providers shall instead show that a meaningful approach to decision making or to meet the intent of the criterion has been taken and is reflected in the services provided.

This standard should be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and people's rights and service provider obligations under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (the Code). Compliance with the standard will assist services to meet their obligations under Te Tiriti, the Code, and relevant United Nations instruments. Every service or person who implements this standard should be knowledgeable about Te Tiriti, the Code, and the United Nations instruments agreed to by New Zealand Aotearoa and comply with the duties set out in them.