80Functions of HQSC

1. The functions of HQSC are—

2. to advise the Minister on how quality and safety in services may be improved; and
3. to advise the Minister on any matter relating to—
   1. health epidemiology and quality assurance; or
   2. mortality; and
4. to determine quality and safety indicators (such as serious and sentinel events) for use in measuring the quality and safety of services; and
5. to provide public reports on the quality and safety of services as measured against—
   1. the quality and safety indicators; and
   2. any other information that HQSC considers relevant for the purpose of the report; and
6. to promote and support better quality and safety in services; and
7. to disseminate information about the quality and safety of services; and
8. to support the health sector to engage with consumers and whānau for the purpose of ensuring that their perspectives are reflected in the design, delivery, and evaluation of services; and
9. to develop a code of expectations for consumer and whānau engagement in the health sector for approval by the Minister; and
10. to make recommendations to any person in relation to matters within the scope of its functions; and
11. to perform any other function that—
    1. relates to the quality and safety of services; and
    2. HQSC is for the time being authorised to perform by the Minister by written notice to HQSC after consultation with it.

12. In performing its functions, HQSC must, to the extent it considers appropriate, work collaboratively with—

13. the Ministry of Health; and
14. Health New Zealand; and
15. the Health and Disability Commissioner; and
17. providers; and
18. healthcare professional bodies (for example, colleges); and
19. any groups representing the interests of consumers of services; and
20. any other organisations, groups, or individuals that HQSC considers have an interest in, or will be affected by, its work.

21. The Minister must, as soon as practicable after giving a notice to HQSC under subsection (1)(j)(ii), publish in the Gazette, and present to the House of Representatives, a copy of the notice.