Tēnā koe,Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request:
The number of individual client cases reviewed by the Principal Health Advisor (PHA) in each of the calendar years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 (year to date). For clarity, "reviewed" means cases where the PHA personally examined the application, provided written advice, or made a determination — not cases handled by Regional Health Advisors without PHA involvement.

For each Regional Health Advisor currently employed by MSD: their current registration status with the Medical Council of New Zealand, Nursing Council of New Zealand, or other relevant health professional regulatory authority; if not currently registered, their previous registration (if any) and the date registration lapsed; and their formal qualifications. If MSD does not hold this information, please confirm whether registration with a health professional regulatory body is a requirement for the Regional Health Advisor role.

The current position description for Regional Health Advisor roles, whether clinical registration is listed as essential, desirable, or not mentioned, the salary bands for these roles, and the number of Regional Health Advisors currently employed by region.

The criteria or triggers that determine when a Disability Allowance application is referred to the Principal Health Advisor for review, whether referral to the PHA is mandatory for any category of application, and the number of DA applications referred to the PHA in 2024 compared to total DA applications received.
I look forward to your response within 20 working days as required by the Act.Ngā mihi