Working with primary care to improve medical certification and return-to-work outcomes

Released 31/03/2026

ACC has commissioned five medium-sized primary care organisations across the motu to trial new ways of improving medical certification and support better rehabilitation outcomes for injured New Zealanders. 

From April 2026, these organisations will work directly with certifying providers in their local communities to test practical, provider-led approaches that address known pain points associated with certification. These include:

  • time pressures limiting providers’ ability to gather and validate information from clients and employers, creating challenges for accurate and confident certification
  • confusion about certification definitions and what supports clients can access with each medical certificate
  • challenges navigating the end-to-end return to work process, including the role of the certifying provider
  • limited ability to share information between providers supporting a client’s recovery (for example, sharing notes between physiotherapy and general practice)
  • managing expectations from clients and employers about when someone needs to be fully unfit for work. 

 Contracts have been awarded to the following suppliers:

  • BPAC Clinical Solutions LP
  • Langimālie Integrated Family Health Centre
  • ProCare Network Limited
  • Rotorua Area Primary Health Services Limited
  • Tamaki Health Community Limited 

Addressing a growing challenge 

Over recent years, ACC data has shown that more New Zealanders are taking time off work for low complexity injuries, with their recovery times getting longer. Extended time away from work not only impacts the injured person, but also their whānau, employers, and communities. This trend has also placed increasing pressure on the Accident Compensation (AC) Scheme. These contracts seek to address this challenge and support better rehabilitation outcomes for injured New Zealanders.

A new way of working 

These contracts represent a deliberate shift in how ACC commissions services with the primary care sector. Instead of specifying solutions to be delivered, ACC invited organisations with influence across multiple general practice clinics to propose and lead innovative solutions to improve medical certification and return to work outcomes. 

This outcomes-focused approach enables sector-led innovation, with ACC supporting and learning alongside providers. The goal is to embed more consistent and reliable certification practices that support both clients and clinicians, reduce administrative burden, and enable earlier and more sustainable return to work.

What’s next?

The contracted suppliers will use a test and learn approach, working closely with ACC to implement and refine their interventions.

They’ll directly contact certifying providers in their areas and work alongside the providers to help deliver their interventions.  

Contracts will be for an initial 12 months, with the option to extend for a further year if the programme is delivering the intended outcomes. If successful, we’ll look at opportunities to scale the interventions nationally. 

We’re committed to ongoing collaboration with the primary care sector and will continue to keep stakeholders informed as the programme progresses. By working together, we’re taking important steps to support injured New Zealanders to return to work and independence sooner. 

For any question contact: improvingcertification@acc.co.nz

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