Collegial Relationships and Cosmetic Medicine in New Zealand

How is Non-surgical Cosmetic Medicine Defined?

For regulatory purposes, the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) divides cosmetic procedures into either surgical (Category 1) or non-surgical (Category 2). Cosmetic medicine includes only non-surgical Category 2 procedures, such as:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox®)
• Dermal filler
• Laser therapies
• Skin rejuvenation procedures

While Category 2 procedures are less invasive, they still carry clinical risks. Doctors performing these treatments must be properly trained, competent, and committed to safe, ethical care.

Read the MCNZ Statement on Cosmetic Procedures (2017)

Understanding Scope of Practice and the MCNZ’s Role

The MCNZ is the statutory body responsible for regulating doctors. It defines each doctor’s scope of practice based on their qualifications, training, and vocational registration.

Doctors must practice within their defined scope. Performing cosmetic procedures outside of their approved scope requires specific arrangements, most notably, an approved collegial relationship.

Who Needs a Collegial Relationship to Perform Category 2 Procedures?

Only the following doctors may perform Category 2 procedures without a collegial relationship:

1. Dermatologists and plastic, maxillofacial, or otolaryngology surgeons with training in non-surgical cosmetic procedures
   • May perform Category 2 procedures independently as part of their vocational scope
2. Vocationally registered GPs (FRNZCGP) who have completed the NZSCM Diploma in Cosmetic Medicine 
   • May practice independently with NZSCM membership

Doctors registered in a general scope or in other vocational scopes may only perform Category 2 procedures if they:

• Are appropriately trained and competent, and
• Have a formal collegial relationship with a suitably qualified, vocationally registered doctor

Regardless of scope, all doctors must meet MCNZ’s expectations for competence, ethical care, professional development, and patient safety.

What Is a Collegial Relationship?

A collegial relationship is a structured professional arrangement where a qualified, vocationally registered doctor provides oversight and support to a colleague who is practicing cosmetic medicine outside their core vocational scope.

Under MCNZ guidelines, a collegial relationship must:

• Be formalised in writing and submitted to the MCNZ
• Include regular case reviews, professional guidance, and ongoing support
• Contribute to the supported doctor’s continuing professional development (e.g., CPD requirements)

Who Can Provide Collegial Relationships?

Only doctors with relevant vocational registration and/or NZSCM accreditation can act as collegial supervisors for cosmetic medicine. These include:

• Dermatologists with training in non-surgical cosmetic procedures
• Plastic, Maxillofacial and Otolaryngology Surgeons with training in non-surgical cosmetic procedures
• Vocationally Registered General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) with NZSCM membership.

These doctors ensure the safe, ethical, and competent practice of colleagues who are working outside their scope of practice.

What Is NZSCM’s Role?

The New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM) is a professional body, not a regulator. NZSCM works to support high standards in cosmetic medicine by:

• Providing the NZSCM Diploma in Cosmetic Medicine – the only MCNZ-endorsed programme for vocationally registered specialists wishing to practice cosmetic medicine
• Educating and recertifying members for quality and safety
• Offering guidance on safe and ethical practice
• Supporting the establishment of collegial relationships for doctors who require oversight

Important: If a doctor resigns from or places their NZSCM membership on hold but continues to practice cosmetic medicine, they are still legally responsible for ensuring they meet all MCNZ requirements, including maintaining a valid collegial relationship if required.

Do You Establish a Collegial Relationship?

If a collegial relationship is required, it must be:

• Formally documented and agreed upon by both parties
• Submitted to the Medical Council of New Zealand
• Include provisions for:
  • Regular clinical review and case discussions
  • Ongoing mentorship and professional support
  • Compliance with CPD and recertification standards

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide, based on current guidance from the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and other responsible authorities. While NZSCM supports its members through training and recertification, it does not define scope of practice or regulate practitioners. It is each practitioner’s responsibility to understand and comply with the legal and professional standards relevant to their work.

For specific advice, contact your regulatory authority directly.

References & Useful Links

1. MCNZ – Statement on Cosmetic Procedures (2017)
2. MCNZ – Scopes of Practice
3. HPCA Act 2003
4. MCNZ – Recertification and CPD Requirements
5. MCNZ – Collegial Relationships Overview & Forms