Revised H & D Standards in force June 09
Media release
22 October 2008
Standards New Zealand has published the revised NZS 8134:2008 Health and disability services Standards, with approval from the Minister of Health.
‘The revised Standards will be mandatory from 1 June 2009, for those health and disability services, residential services, mental health services, rest homes, and hospitals required to comply with the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001, ’ says Gillian Grew, Chief Advisor (Services), at the Ministry of Health.
The Standards establish safe levels of care for consumers, set out the rights of consumers, and ensure service providers are clear about their responsibilities for good outcomes.
‘Health providers can use the Standards to streamline the auditing process used to comply with the Act, and to remain up to date with best practice. Other health and disability services should also consider adopting the Standards, ’ says Gillian.
The Ministry of Health sponsored and managed a review of the 2001 Standards, following feedback from stakeholders. An expert Standards New Zealand development committee, which included representatives from the health, disability, mental health, aged care, and other sectors, conducted the review. The review also included public consultation.
The revised Standards reduce duplicated content between four health Standards published in 2001, are simpler to use, and reflect current best practice. The Ministry of Health published a regulatory notice in the New Zealand Gazette on 2 October 2008, with the effect of bringing NZS 8134:2008 into force on 1 June 2009.
The Standards are available from Standards New Zealand or call the customer services team on 0800 782 632.
