CPD Programmes Medical Laboratory Scientist

Recertification programmes for Medical Laboratory Scientists

The Council has accredited the following CPD Programme Providers for Medical Laboratory Scientists:

• New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science (NZIMLS)
• Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine Inc (AACB)
• New Zealand Hospital Scientific Officer’s Association Inc

These providers have met the Council’s accreditation standards as set out in the “Standards for Accredited CPD Programme Providers” policy document. 

When other providers are granted accreditation, they will be added to the list.

CPD Requirements:

The new CPD requirements for Medical Laboratory Scientist will apply from 1 January 2021.

• 40-hours of CPD within each two-year cycle (biennium).
• At least 15 hours of CPD each year of the relevant biennium.
• 24-hours CPD must relate to activities classified as substantive CPD each biennium.

CPD and compliance audit

There will be no audit in 2023, however, practitioners must continue to engage in CPD during 2023. The next audit will be completed in 2024 and will cover the 2022-2023 biennium. In 2024, the Council will audit up to 40% of medical laboratory science practitioners.

Please note the CPD policy will be updated in due course with the recent changes to the CPD cycle.

The audit provides assurance to the public and the Minister of Health that medical laboratory science practitioners are engaging in appropriate CPD that supports their ongoing competence to practise.

Exemptions

You may be exempted from audit if you are currently:

• On maternity leave.
• Working overseas.
• On long-term sick leave (i.e. more than 3 months) and provide a medical certificate.
• Experiencing a family bereavement that results in non-practice for greater than 3 months.

All requests to be exempted from an audit must be made within 14 working days of you being notified you have been selected for audit. You can email these requests to msc@medsci.co.nz.

CPD resources

• Health and Disability Commissioner
• Ministry of Health
• Ao Mai te Rā
• Health Quality and Safety Commission
• Privacy Commissioner
• Te Tāhū Hauora: Co-Design