Specialist Qualifications Held By Cannabis Clinic Doctors

Gregory Soar made this Official Information request to Ministry of Social Development

The request was partially successful.

From: Gregory Soar

Dear Ministry of Social Development,

The MZMC say this in regard medical “specialists” in NZ, “ VOC1 (specialist) registration is for doctors who hold an approved New Zealand / Australasian postgraduate qualification and already hold registration in the General scope of practice.

Registration as a specialist in New Zealand requires specific training, qualifications and standards - the requirements for this pathway are outlined here.”

It is being advertised by MSD to clients that Cannabis Clinics in NZ are private specialist organisations and thus are not supported by MSD in regarding funding clients to such clinics services.

1. What specialist training does MSD believe a cannabis clinic doctor holds, please outline the special training that allows them to be “specialists” as required under NZ law and by the NZMC?

2. MSD says cannabis doctors cannot be self referred to by MSD clients. Please provide all legislation, Ministerial direction and ANY other formal regulations / requirements that say a patient may jot self refer.

3. Many medical practices are private businesses and have specialists such as psychiatrists which are funded for clients of MSD so please supply all information held that differentiates between cannabis clinic doctors without specialist training and any other medical practice doctors who funding for clients is given.

Yours faithfully,

Gregory Soar

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Gregory Soar left an annotation ()

Any registered medical doctor, Nurse Practitioner may prescribe cannabis medicines. No specialist qualification is required.

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From: OIA_Requests (MSD)
Ministry of Social Development

Tēnā koe Gregory Soar,

Thank you for your email received 18 March 2022, under the Official Information Act 1982. Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate officials at National Office to respond. 

Ngā manaakitanga,

Official and Parliamentary Information Team | Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

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Gregory Soar left an annotation ()

MSMC should be NZMC New Zealand Medical Council

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From: OIA_Requests (MSD)
Ministry of Social Development

Tēnā koe Gregory Soar,

On 18 March 2022, you emailed the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982, the following information:

1. What specialist training does MSD believe a cannabis clinic doctor holds, please outline the special training that allows them to be “specialists” as required under NZ law and by the NZMC?

2. MSD says cannabis doctors cannot be self-referred to by MSD clients. Please provide all legislation, Ministerial direction and ANY other formal regulations / requirements that say a patient may jot self-refer.

3. Many medical practices are private businesses and have specialists such as psychiatrists which are funded for clients of MSD so please supply all information held that differentiates between cannabis clinic doctors without specialist training and any other medical practice doctors who funding for clients is given.

This letter is to advise you that the Ministry requires more time to respond to this request. In accordance with section 15(1) and 15A of the Official Information Act, the Ministry’s decision will be with you no later than 17 May 2022.

The reason for the extension is that consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or 0800 802 602.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this decision, please feel free to contact [MSD request email]

I will respond to you sooner if I am able to.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development | Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora
Our purpose:
We help New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.
Manaaki Tangata, Manaaki Whānau.

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From: OIA_Requests (MSD)
Ministry of Social Development


Attachment 20220517 OIA Response SOAR.pdf
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Tçnâ koe Gregory Soar,

 

Please find attached the Ministry’s response to your Official Information
Act request.

 

 

Nâ mâtou noa, nâ

 

Official and Parliamentary Information Team | Ministerial and Executive
Services

Ministry of Social Development | Te Manatû Whakahiato Ora

 

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.
Manaaki Tangata, Manaaki Whânau.

 

 

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