The New Zealand House of Representatives passed the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Amendment bill with unanimous support from all parties. Following the recommendations of the Ministerial Review Group last year, the bill will amend the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act of 2000 and establish a new Health Quality and Safety Commission. The Commission will be tasked with advising the Health Minister on any epidemiological and quality assurance matters; determining quality and safety measures for health services provided in the health and disability system; and leading and coordinating work to monitor and improve quality and safety in the health and disability system. Upon consulting the Commission, the Minister is also able to authorize it to perform any other quality improvement and safety-related functions within the health and disability system.
The Amendment also requires district health boards (DHBs) to collaborate with relevant organizations to plan and coordinate care, and to deliver the most effective and efficient health services to meet local, regional, and national needs. To support DHBs on how to comply with these new responsibilities, the Ministry of Health will provide direction on how administrative, support, and procurement services should be obtained and who should provide these services.
Sources:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/BillsDigests/9/f/9/49PLLawBD17731-New-Zealand-Public-Health-and-Disability-Amendment.htm
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/health+law+passed+unanimous+support