Standards development process

 Health information standards are developed by experts with the aim of improving health outcomes and safety through a coordinated, consistent approach, in accordance with a five-stage process governed by a set of core principles:

·     balanced representation: relevant areas of the sector affected by the standard are given adequate opportunity to input to its development

·     patient safety: safe and appropriate for use in health

·     consensus: sufficient support for the final version of the standard exists

·     independence: the standards developed are agnostic in terms of people and products

·     transparency: the development process is clear and open

·     needs based: the development of the standard is necessary

·     fit-for-purpose: the standard is useful, demonstrably implementable and ready for application when required

The five stages of the standards development process are:

Stage 1: Identify, Propose & Plan

Stage 2: Develop & Evaluate

Stage 3: Consult

Stage 4: Approve & Implement

Stage 5: Review and Maintain

 Click on the diagram below for a more detailed look.

Please complete the standard development summary proposal form and return to standards@moh.govt.nz

The final stage, Review and Maintain, involves ad hoc maintenance and scheduled review processes which are critical parts of the standards life cycle. These processes work to ensure that published standards are living, fit-for-purpose documents that reflect current practices, regulations, user needs and/or updates required as a result of other external factors. They also support increased uptake / adoption.

If you are looking to develop a standard, or simply require more information, please contact the HISO Office.