The Health and Disability Commissioner is currently considering submissions for the review of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) and the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 (the Act).
We received 259 submissions to this review. We also met with over 50 consumer, provider, and representative groups online and across the motu during the consultation period to hear their feedback. This included NZSL supported sessions; Pacific Talanoa; Asian and migrant-focused sessions; hui with Māori across diverse community settings; and meetings with individuals and groups bringing diverse experiences of disability.
We would like to thank those individuals and organisations that contributed to this important kaupapa. All submissions, and the feedback we heard during the consultation, will be given the serious consideration they deserve.
Our next steps are to review and consider the submissions and feedback, which will inform the recommendations we will make to Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. This must be completed by 20 December 2024.
Under our Act, the Minister must then present a copy of the report to Parliament within 12 working days of receiving it. It’s then up to the Minister and the government to decide whether they wish to progress our recommendations.
Our report will be available on our website once it has been tabled in Parliament. If you gave permission for part or all of your submission to be published, that will be made available at the same time. We will alert you to this occurring.
While the consultation is focused on changes to the Act and the Code, public feedback will also help us to improve the way we do things at HDC.