Healthcare advertising in New Zealand is tightly regulated to protect patients. Any communication, from your website to brochures to social media posts, must be accurate, respectful, and free from misleading claims.
Non-compliance can lead to complaints, fines, and reputational damage. More importantly, it risks eroding the trust patients place in you as a healthcare provider. That is why compliance must be built into every part of your marketing and design, not added as an afterthought.
At Total Medical Design, we specialise in creating compliant, patient-friendly marketing and design for healthcare providers. With over 15 years of experience across New Zealand and Australia, we understand the regulations and how to apply them in practical, effective ways
We help clinics navigate the main compliance requirements that govern healthcare advertising in New Zealand.
The Medical Council requires that advertising be factual, accurate, and not misleading. Healthcare providers must avoid exaggerated claims, testimonials that describe clinical outcomes, and any content that could create unrealistic expectations.
The ASA Code applies to all health-related advertising in New Zealand. It requires claims to be truthful, balanced, and substantiated by evidence. It also places strict conditions on imagery, before-and-after photos, and promotional wording.
The HDC emphasises transparent, respectful, and patient-centred communication. Marketing materials must avoid coercion and support patients in making informed decisions about their healthcare.
Healthcare advertising often involves patient data, particularly with enquiry forms and booking systems. The Privacy Act requires practices to protect personal information with secure systems and transparent consent processes.
Medsafe regulates the advertising of therapeutic products, medical devices, and medicines. Packaging and promotional materials must meet specific labelling and information requirements.
The Therapeutic Advertising Pre-Vetting Service (TAPS) offers an optional pre-check of advertising campaigns to ensure compliance with ASA’s Therapeutic and Health Advertising Code. Many providers use this service for peace of mind before launching large campaigns.
Compliance can seem complex, but we make it simple. Our process ensures your marketing is both effective and safe.
Whether it’s a website, brochure, or ad campaign, compliance checks are included as standard. You never need to worry about content slipping through unchecked.
Our healthcare-trained writers ensure all claims are factual and supported by appropriate sources. We avoid prohibited testimonials, unsubstantiated promises, and misleading comparisons.
We design enquiry forms, booking systems, and hosting environments that protect patient data and align with NZ privacy requirements.
Visuals are chosen to reflect inclusivity, respect, and accuracy. We avoid imagery or layouts that could be misinterpreted or deemed misleading in a healthcare context.
For sensitive campaigns, we can help coordinate with the TAPS pre-vetting service, providing extra assurance before launch.
Grow your practice with confidence, knowing your marketing is legally sound.
Transparent, accurate communication reassures patients and builds credibility.
Avoid the costs and reputational damage of regulatory complaints.
Compliance checks are built into our workflow, so projects are delivered smoothly without last-minute issues.
As advertising standards evolve, we keep your clinic aligned with the latest requirements.
Yes. Any material that promotes your clinic or services, including websites, brochures, and social media, is considered advertising under NZ regulations. That is why it is essential to ensure wording and visuals are accurate, respectful, and compliant.
You need to be careful. Testimonials that describe clinical outcomes or make claims about treatment success are not permitted. General service feedback that does not imply results may be acceptable, but all testimonials must be reviewed against ASA and HDC rules.
Breaches can result in complaints to the ASA or HDC, which may require you to withdraw or amend your advertising. Repeated or serious violations can result in fines or reputational damage. Preventing issues with compliance checks upfront is always safer than fixing problems later.
TAPS, the Therapeutic Advertising Pre-Vetting Service, is an optional service that reviews your advertising before it is published. It is beneficial for campaigns involving therapeutic products or sensitive services. We can assist with TAPS applications if needed.
Compliance is part of our process. All content is written or reviewed by healthcare-trained writers, and designs are checked for professionalism and appropriateness. We align everything with the ASA Code, HDC guidance, Privacy Act, and Medsafe rules where relevant.
Compliance should not hold back your marketing — it should support it. With Total Medical Design, you can attract patients, build trust, and grow your clinic while knowing every design, campaign, and website is fully aligned with New Zealand’s healthcare advertising standards.
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