The Medical Council wants the power to suspend a doctor immediately in extreme circumstances.
The council says it's never needed the power, but would like to have it just in case.
At present it cannot suspend a doctor immediately for what it calls egregious behaviour.
Radio New Zealand's health correspondent says the only thing the council can do is seek a voluntary undertaking placing restrictions on the doctor, with their agreement.
The council says such undertakings are always obtained, but that could change.
It is to renew a request for an amendment to the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.
