District Health Boards (DHBs) work within a national structure that sets overall strategic direction for DHBs.  

The Ministry of Health provides policy advice to the Minister of Health, monitors health services and advises the Minister on national priorities for health funding.  

National strategic documents, such as The New Zealand Health Strategy and the The New Zealand Disability Strategy give DHBs a framework within which they do their planning.   With the national framework as a guide, DHBs develop Five Year Strategic Plans and Annual Plans.  Each DHBs Annual Plan becomes the agreement they have with the Minister of Health and is used as a basis for monitoring the success of the DHB.

As required by the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000, the Otago DHB has three advisory committees to assist the Board with its planning and decision-making.   These are:

• The Community and Public Health Advisory Committee (CPHAC)
• The Disability Support Advisory Committee (DSAC)
• The Hospital Advisory Committee (HAC)

In addition the Board has established an Audit and Risk Management Advisory Committee and an Appointments and Remuneration Advisory Committee.