{"id":41595,"date":"2026-04-21T20:02:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/?p=41595"},"modified":"2026-05-21T16:37:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T16:37:57","slug":"professionalism-and-conduct-expectations-for-doctors-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/professionalism-and-conduct-expectations-for-doctors-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"Professionalism and Conduct Expectations for Doctors in New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"41595\" class=\"elementor elementor-41595\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df3cd77 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"df3cd77\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-637acbe 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*\/\r\n.hec-sources{background:#f8f9fb;border:1px solid #dde5e3;border-radius:6px;padding:22px 26px;margin:30px 0}\r\n.hec-sources-label{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.8px;color:#5a6c7d;margin-bottom:12px;display:block}\r\n.hec-sources p{font-size:15px;color:#5a6c7d;margin-bottom:14px;line-height:1.7}\r\n.hec-sources ul{margin:0 0 0 18px;line-height:1.9}\r\n.hec-sources li{margin-bottom:6px;color:#5a6c7d;font-size:15px}\r\n.hec-sources a{color:#0a2a5c;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:500}\r\n.hec-sources a:hover{color:#c8102e}\r\n\r\n\/* Mobile *\/\r\n@media(max-width:768px){\r\n.hec-article-title{padding:32px 20px 28px}\r\n.hec-article-title h1{font-size:22px}\r\n.hec-wrapper h2{font-size:20px;margin:32px 0 12px}\r\n.hec-wrapper h3{font-size:18px}\r\n.hec-wrapper h4{font-size:16px}\r\n.hec-wrapper p{font-size:16px}\r\n.hec-wrapper li{font-size:16px}\r\n.hec-wrapper ul{margin-left:18px}\r\n.hec-cta-btn{display:block}\r\n}\r\n@media(max-width:480px){\r\n.hec-article-title h1{font-size:19px}\r\n.hec-wrapper h2{font-size:18px}\r\n.hec-wrapper h3{font-size:16px}\r\n.hec-wrapper p{font-size:15px}\r\n.hec-wrapper li{font-size:15px}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-wrapper\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-article-title\">\r\n<h1>Professionalism and Conduct Expectations for Doctors in New Zealand: What the MCNZ Code of Conduct Requires in 2026<\/h1>\r\n<div class=\"hec-meta\"><span>Updated for 2026<\/span>&middot;<span>NZ Doctor Conduct Guide<\/span>&middot;<span>~12 min read<\/span><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-intro-box\"><p><strong>Professionalism and conduct are inseparable for New Zealand doctors.<\/strong> The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) sets out clear conduct expectations through Good Medical Practice and a suite of related statements, together forming the Council's effective \"code of conduct\" for registered doctors. With 2026 bringing intensified expectations around cultural safety, open disclosure, digital conduct, and doctor wellbeing, the practical importance of understanding and applying these conduct standards has never been greater. This guide translates the expectations into practical terms, explaining what the MCNZ requires in daily behaviour, decision-making, and professional relationships, how concerns are assessed when they arise, and how doctors can consistently meet those expectations across a long career.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n<h2>How the MCNZ Defines Professional Conduct<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>The MCNZ's conduct framework is built on the principle that every doctor's behaviour (in the consulting room, in the team, online, and in the wider community) contributes to public trust in the profession. Conduct is not only what happens during a clinical encounter. It is the totality of how a doctor behaves while holding the privilege of medical registration. For a fuller view of the cornerstone document that anchors every conduct expectation discussed here, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/good-medical-practice-new-zealand-2026-professionalism-standards-every-doctor-must-meet-under-the-mcnz\/\">Good Medical Practice New Zealand 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Good Medical Practice is the Council's flagship statement, supported by specific guidance on topics including consent, confidentiality, social media, sexual boundaries, cultural safety, and telehealth. Together these documents define what the MCNZ considers acceptable, and what constitutes a breach of conduct under the HPCAA framework.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>The Key Conduct Expectations Every NZ Doctor Should Know<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<h3>1. Honesty and Trustworthiness<\/h3>\r\n<p>Doctors must be truthful in records, in communication with patients, in dealings with colleagues and the MCNZ, and in any public statements. Dishonesty is treated as a fundamental breach of medical professionalism and consistently attracts the most severe HPDT outcomes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>What this looks like in practice<\/h4>\r\n<p>Records that accurately reflect what was discussed and decided; billing that matches services delivered; accurate representation of qualifications; full and honest responses to any regulator enquiry, even when difficult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>2. Respect for Patients<\/h3>\r\n<p>Every patient is entitled to respectful care regardless of background, condition, or circumstance. Discrimination, dismissiveness, and disrespect are conduct concerns under MCNZ standards, and increasingly visible to the Council through patient feedback and complaints.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>3. Clear Consent and Shared Decision-Making<\/h3>\r\n<p>Patients have the right under the Code of Rights to be fully informed before treatment. MCNZ expects documented consent discussions, supported decisions, and respect for patient autonomy including the right to refuse. A signed consent form is not a documented discussion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>4. Confidentiality<\/h3>\r\n<p>Confidentiality is foundational to trust. Breaches through casual discussion, social media, insecure systems, AI-assisted documentation tools, or inadequate team practices are conduct concerns under both MCNZ standards and the Privacy Act 2020.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>5. Professional Boundaries<\/h3>\r\n<p>Sexual boundaries are absolute. No sexual or romantic relationship with a current patient is acceptable under any circumstances. MCNZ also addresses dual relationships, gifts of significant value, personal contact with patients outside clinical settings, and digital boundaries including social media and messaging.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>6. Cultural Safety and Te Tiriti o Waitangi<\/h3>\r\n<p>The MCNZ has made cultural safety an explicit conduct expectation as continuing competence, not a one-off training event. Doctors must engage with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognise health inequities, and adjust practice to deliver culturally responsive care across M&#257;ori, Pasifika, Asian, refugee, migrant, and disability communities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>7. Respect for Colleagues and Team-Based Care<\/h3>\r\n<p>Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or disrespect towards colleagues (including other doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, and administrative staff) can each amount to a conduct concern. The MCNZ now treats team conduct as a fitness-to-practise matter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>8. Honest and Timely Open Disclosure<\/h3>\r\n<p>When something goes wrong, doctors are expected to disclose openly, apologise where appropriate, and support the patient through the process. Concealment, defensiveness, or delay is a serious conduct concern and is consistently identified in HPDT decisions as compounding the underlying issue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>9. Safe Digital and Social Media Conduct<\/h3>\r\n<p>Online behaviour is professional behaviour. Content that breaches confidentiality, disparages colleagues or patients, or damages public trust in the profession can each trigger a conduct review. Personal content identifiable to you as a doctor is still subject to MCNZ standards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>10. Self-Care and Health<\/h3>\r\n<p>Fitness to practise includes physical and mental health. MCNZ expects doctors to manage their own health, seek support when needed, and not practise when impaired. Doctor wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a foundation for safe practice, not a separate concern.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Conduct Expectations Summary Table<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-table-wrap\">\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Conduct Area<\/th>\r\n<th>MCNZ Expectation<\/th>\r\n<th>Common Concern Trigger<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Honesty<\/strong><\/td><td>Truthful records, billing, qualifications, regulator engagement<\/td><td>Late or altered records after a complaint<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Respect<\/strong><\/td><td>Respectful care regardless of background or circumstance<\/td><td>Dismissive or hurried interactions<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Consent<\/strong><\/td><td>Documented, informed, shared decision-making under the Code of Rights<\/td><td>Signed form without recorded discussion<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Confidentiality<\/strong><\/td><td>Protection of all patient information, digital and physical<\/td><td>Social media or counter-area disclosures<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Boundaries<\/strong><\/td><td>Clear therapeutic boundaries; absolute prohibition on sexual contact with current patients<\/td><td>Out-of-hours messaging or personal contact<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Cultural safety<\/strong><\/td><td>Te Tiriti o Waitangi engagement; responsive care for all communities<\/td><td>Patterns of inequity in patient feedback<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Teamwork<\/strong><\/td><td>Respect; safe handover; no bullying or harassment<\/td><td>Bullying or disrespect of team members<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Open disclosure<\/strong><\/td><td>Honest, timely communication after adverse events<\/td><td>Delay, concealment, or defensive responses<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Digital conduct<\/strong><\/td><td>Online behaviour held to the same standard as in-person conduct<\/td><td>Identifiable posts, comments, or images<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<tr><td><strong>Self-care<\/strong><\/td><td>Manage own health; do not practise when impaired<\/td><td>Practising while unwell or impaired<\/td><\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-course-card\">\r\n<div class=\"hec-course-card-header\">\r\n<h3>Professional Conduct CPD for NZ Doctors<\/h3>\r\n<span class=\"hec-card-sub\">MCNZ-aligned online CPD on conduct and professionalism<\/span>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hec-course-card-body\">\r\n<ul class=\"hec-card-features\">\r\n<li><span class=\"hec-check\">&check;<\/span> Featured course: <a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/courses\/ethics-and-ethical-standards-for-doctors\/\">Ethics and Ethical Standards for Doctors<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"hec-check\">&check;<\/span> Browse all: <a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/ethics-professional-development-courses-doctors-new-zealand\/\">Ethics &amp; Professional Development Courses for Doctors in New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"hec-check\">&check;<\/span> Covers conduct, boundaries, consent, open disclosure, cultural safety<\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"hec-check\">&check;<\/span> Verifiable certificate for your PCP record<\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"hec-check\">&check;<\/span> Suitable for CPD, remediation, and fitness-to-practise support<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<h2>How Conduct Concerns Are Assessed<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>When a concern is raised, the MCNZ considers the seriousness of the behaviour, the context, the risk to the public, and the doctor's insight and response. A single misstep addressed with genuine insight and remediation is treated very differently from a pattern of concerning behaviour or a serious breach of fundamental duties. Outcomes can range from education and advice through to referral to a Professional Conduct Committee or the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. For a fuller breakdown of where the line is drawn between everyday gaps and conduct that triggers formal regulatory action, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/unprofessional-conduct-under-the-mcnz-in-new-zealand\/\">unprofessional conduct under the MCNZ in New Zealand<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-callout warning\"><span class=\"hec-callout-label\">What Most Strengthens a Doctor's Position<\/span><p>Insight, remediation, and a strong CPD record in ethics, boundaries, and communication are consistently the factors that secure proportionate outcomes when concerns arise. They are built through years of practice, not after a complaint lands.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n<h2>A Realistic Look at Conduct Assessment in Action<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-scenario\">\r\n<span class=\"hec-scenario-label\">Illustrative Scenario<\/span>\r\n<p><strong>Situation:<\/strong> A patient complaint mentions feeling unheard during a difficult consultation, with concerns that consent for a procedure was rushed and that follow-up communication was dismissive. The matter reaches the MCNZ.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>What the Council examines:<\/strong> The clinical record, the documented consent discussion, the doctor's response to the concern, any prior similar feedback, and the doctor's CPD profile for evidence of communication and ethics learning.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>The defensible doctor:<\/strong> Contemporaneous notes including the substance of the consent discussion, a thoughtful written response acknowledging the patient's experience, recent CPD in communication and cultural safety, and a clear remediation plan. The matter is most often resolvable at an early stage without PCC escalation.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>The vulnerable doctor:<\/strong> Sparse notes, signed consent form but no documented discussion, defensive response that argues with the patient's experience, no recent ethics or communication CPD. The same starting point escalates to formal review and conditions on practice.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<h2>Practical Habits That Demonstrate Good Conduct Daily<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<h4>Document consent conversations fully<\/h4>\r\n<p>Written evidence is the strongest protection when consent is later questioned. Document the substance, not just the signature.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>Treat every patient interaction as professional conduct<\/h4>\r\n<p>Short, dismissive, or rushed interactions are the top of a long slope. Patient feedback is increasingly visible to regulators.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>Audit your digital presence annually<\/h4>\r\n<p>Social media conduct is professional conduct under MCNZ standards. Review what is public, archived, or tagged each year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>Respond constructively to concerns<\/h4>\r\n<p>Defensiveness compounds risk; insight and action reduce it. Seek qualified advice early before responding to any formal concern.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>Invest in CPD that builds insight<\/h4>\r\n<p>Ethics, boundaries, communication, and reflective practice are foundational. For practical guidance on building this part of your portfolio, see our resource on the <a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/medical-council-of-new-zealand-professional-standards-a-cpd-guide-for-new-zealand-doctors-in-2026\/\">Medical Council of New Zealand professional standards: a CPD guide for New Zealand doctors in 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>Protect your own wellbeing<\/h4>\r\n<p>Sustainable practice depends on it. Burnout and fatigue quietly reshape clinical behaviour and are increasingly recognised as fitness-to-practise considerations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Your Practical Conduct Compliance Checklist<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-checklist\">\r\n<span class=\"hec-checklist-title\">Do this each year to evidence strong MCNZ conduct alignment<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Re-read Good Medical Practice and current MCNZ statements at the start of each practising year<\/li>\r\n<li>Confirm your APC is current and renewal is diarised well ahead<\/li>\r\n<li>Document the consent conversation (not just the signed form) for significant decisions<\/li>\r\n<li>Audit your social media and any public-facing online presence annually<\/li>\r\n<li>Complete at least one Te Tiriti o Waitangi or cultural safety reflective activity each year<\/li>\r\n<li>Include at least one boundaries or open disclosure activity in your annual CPD<\/li>\r\n<li>Maintain a clear team-feedback channel and respond constructively to any concerns raised<\/li>\r\n<li>Keep a single organised digital folder of CPD certificates and reflective notes<\/li>\r\n<li>Audit record keeping for completeness, contemporaneous timing, and clinical reasoning<\/li>\r\n<li>If a concern is raised, seek qualified advice early from your indemnity provider, NZMA, your college, or a healthcare-experienced lawyer before responding<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-callout success\"><span class=\"hec-callout-label\">A High-Return Habit<\/span><p>Spend 15 minutes a week reflecting on one recent encounter with a conduct lens: consent, communication, documentation, boundaries, cultural safety, team interaction. Over a year, this habit builds the strongest evidence of insight and engagement the MCNZ recognises.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>MCNZ conduct expectations are set out in Good Medical Practice and supporting statements<\/li>\r\n<li>Professionalism covers honesty, respect, consent, confidentiality, boundaries, cultural safety, and digital conduct<\/li>\r\n<li>Sexual boundaries with current patients are absolute, with no exceptions<\/li>\r\n<li>Fitness to practise includes self-care and the responsibility not to practise when impaired<\/li>\r\n<li>Concerns are assessed on seriousness, context, risk, and the doctor's insight and response<\/li>\r\n<li>CPD in ethics, boundaries, and reflective practice is the most reliable daily evidence of good conduct<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-faq-section\">\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<details class=\"hec-faq-item\">\r\n<summary>Does the MCNZ have a single \"code of conduct\" document?<\/summary>\r\n<div class=\"hec-faq-answer\"><p>The MCNZ's conduct expectations are set out across Good Medical Practice and supporting statements on topics including consent, confidentiality, sexual boundaries, social media, telehealth, and cultural safety. Together these form the Council's effective code of conduct for doctors.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n\r\n<details class=\"hec-faq-item\">\r\n<summary>What are the most common conduct concerns raised about NZ doctors?<\/summary>\r\n<div class=\"hec-faq-answer\"><p>Communication and consent issues dominate complaint data, followed by boundary concerns, record-keeping gaps, and behaviour towards colleagues. Clinical errors alone are less common triggers than professionalism failures.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n\r\n<details class=\"hec-faq-item\">\r\n<summary>Are online and personal behaviour covered by MCNZ conduct expectations?<\/summary>\r\n<div class=\"hec-faq-answer\"><p>Yes. MCNZ applies the same professional standards online as offline. Personal content that is identifiable to you as a doctor can be the subject of a conduct review.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n\r\n<details class=\"hec-faq-item\">\r\n<summary>What happens if a complaint about my conduct is raised?<\/summary>\r\n<div class=\"hec-faq-answer\"><p>The MCNZ assesses the concern and may resolve it through education, refer it to a Professional Conduct Committee, or escalate to the HPDT. Outcomes range from advice to cancellation of registration, with targeted CPD often recommended as part of remediation.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n\r\n<details class=\"hec-faq-item\">\r\n<summary>How can I best protect my registration from conduct concerns?<\/summary>\r\n<div class=\"hec-faq-answer\"><p>Consistent attention to consent, documentation, boundaries, team respect, and cultural safety, supported by ongoing CPD in ethics and professionalism, builds the strongest everyday protection.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n\r\n<details class=\"hec-faq-item\">\r\n<summary>What should I do if a concern has been raised about my conduct?<\/summary>\r\n<div class=\"hec-faq-answer\"><p>Seek qualified advice early from your indemnity provider, the NZMA, your relevant college, or a healthcare-experienced lawyer before responding. Engage constructively with the process, gather all relevant records, reflect honestly, and consider targeted CPD in any areas of concern. Defensiveness without insight consistently worsens outcomes.<\/p><\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-cta-box\">\r\n<h3>Strengthen Your Conduct Foundations with CPD<\/h3>\r\n<p>MCNZ-aligned online CPD in ethics, boundaries, and professional conduct for NZ doctors. Self-paced, verifiable, with a certificate for your Professional Competence Programme record.<\/p>\r\n<a class=\"hec-cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/nz\/ethics-professional-development-courses-doctors-new-zealand\/\">View NZ Doctor CPD Courses &rarr;<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-sources\">\r\n<span class=\"hec-sources-label\">Authoritative External Sources for Further Reading<\/span>\r\n<p>For the most current and authoritative detail on the legislation, standards, and conduct frameworks discussed in this article, refer directly to the publishers below:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcnz.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Medical Council of New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.govt.nz\/act\/public\/2003\/0048\/latest\/DLM203312.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (legislation.govt.nz)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hdc.org.nz\/your-rights\/the-code-and-your-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (HDC)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.privacy.org.nz\/privacy-act-2020\/codes-of-practice\/hipc2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (Office of the Privacy Commissioner)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hpdt.org.nz\/decisions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, Published Decisions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nzma.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hec-callout muted\"><span class=\"hec-callout-label\">Important Disclaimer<\/span><p>This article is published by Healthcare Ethics Courses for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, clinical, or regulatory advice. Standards and conduct expectations are updated periodically by the MCNZ. Always refer to current Medical Council of New Zealand publications and seek qualified guidance from your indemnity provider, the New Zealand Medical Association, your college, or a suitably experienced lawyer for matters specific to your practice.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n  \"mainEntity\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Does the MCNZ have a single code of conduct document?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"The MCNZ's conduct expectations are set out across Good Medical Practice and supporting statements on topics including consent, confidentiality, sexual boundaries, social media, telehealth, and cultural safety.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"What are the most common conduct concerns raised about NZ doctors?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Communication and consent issues dominate complaint data, followed by boundary concerns, record-keeping gaps, and behaviour towards colleagues.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Are online and personal behaviour covered by MCNZ conduct expectations?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Yes. 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