Professional, Legal and Ethical Practice in New Zealand
What this domain tests
This section tests the legal and ethical framework of New Zealand optometric practice: registration, scope, consent, privacy, record keeping and mandatory obligations. Answers should show patient-centred reasoning, not rule recitation.
Core rules and concepts
- The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 provides the framework for registration and competence; the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board sets scopes and standards.
- Practise only within your scope and maintain competence; refer when a condition exceeds your training or equipment.
- Obtain informed consent, explain risks and alternatives, and respect the patient’s right to decline.
- Protect patient information under the Privacy Act and health information rules; disclose only with consent or lawful justification.
- Keep contemporaneous records of findings, advice, referrals and decisions.
Worked example
A patient with suspected retinal detachment refuses same-day referral. Reasoning: respect autonomy, but explain the risk of permanent vision loss in clear terms, offer to contact family or a support person, document the discussion and the refusal, and arrange urgent review. Do not falsify a referral or conceal the decision.
Traps that cost marks
Continuing care outside scope; discussing a patient’s details with family without consent; failing to document a refused referral; assuming a verbal referral is sufficient without a written record.
Key points
- HPCA Act 2003 and ODOB standards govern practice.
- Practise within scope and refer when needed.
- Obtain informed consent and respect refusal.
- Protect privacy and share only with consent or lawful basis.
- Document advice, referrals and patient decisions contemporaneously.