The care records definition is now available
Using your feedback, we’ve now published the care records definition.
Read the care records definition
13 March 2024
You can read both a detailed text version and a plain language summary of the care records definition. There’s also information on how we came up with it, how we’re aligning our mahi with te Tiriti o Waitangi, and what else we’re doing in response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Read the care records definition and find out more about it
We’ve determined this definition to be the best overall representation of care records. But we acknowledge this is a complex area and as our understanding evolves and grows, the definition may need updating.
In particular, the need for changes might be identified during the review of the disposal rules work — or as a result of the Royal Commission's final report due to be published mid-2024.
Why we developed the care records definition
We developed the care records definition to help address the recommendation of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission redress report ‘He Purapura Ora, He Māra Tipu’ to ’urgently review disposal authorities relevant to care records and consider whether to prohibit the disposal of care records until at least the completion of its work on records’
To do this work, the Crown needs to have a common understanding of what care records are.
What the care records definition will be used for
We’ll use the care records definition to inform a temporary care records protection instruction to prevent the destruction of State care records (as defined in the care records definition) until the review of disposal authorities is complete.
The care records definition will also help those providing care outside the State care system know which records they should protect from destruction.
Thank you for your feedback
In early November 2023, we asked for your thoughts on our draft the care records definition. Public consultation closed on 18 November 2023.
We’d like to thank the individuals and organisations who provided feedback. Your detailed and carefully considered responses have helped us improve the accuracy, coverage and clarity of the care records definition.