Bill Will Increase DHB Accountability

MEDIA RELEASE

6 September 2006

Bill Will Increase DHB Accountability

HealthCare Providers New Zealand (HCPNZ) has asked all political parties to support the first reading of Jackie Blue's Member's Bill. The Bill amends the Official Information Act to require greater accountability from District Health Boards. The Bill is likely to have its first reading today.

Currently, DHBNZ, which is funded through taxes from District Health Boards, is incorporated and falls outside the OIA. The amendment Bill aims to bring DHBNZ under the OIA.

Mr Taylor said DHBNZ reports to the Minister on behalf of all DHBs, "DHBNZ carries out negotiations on behalf of all DHBs and makes decisions which impact on all New Zealanders – yet the public cannot find out what this group does because it is not subject to the OIA. The current member's bill will rectify this situation.

"One of the key principles for establishing DHBs was to make our Health system more transparent and improve community involvement. Establishing DHBNZ outside the OIA is inconsistent with these principles", said Martin Taylor, HealthCare Providers CEO.

"If DHBNZ has nothing to hide then they should not resist being subject to the OIA. The more resistance they put up the stronger the case against the existing situation becomes", said Martin Taylor, HealthCare Providers CEO.

ENDS

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