MCNZ reviews statement on beliefs and medical practice

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) has prepared a draft statement on beliefs and values in medical practice.

The guidance looks at how doctors should manage their personal beliefs in a professional capacity, without compromising their patients’ rights and values.

In particular, the guidance aims to clarify patients’ rights to:

• Execute freedom of thought
• Express their religious beliefs
• Receive care and treatment to meet their clinical needs.

The statement guides doctors on what to do if any of these rights conflict in the treatment of a patient.

Doctors are being encouraged to respond to the statement, expressing their views on how useful the guidance is and suggest other issues that need including.

The deadline for feedback is Friday 8 May 2009.