The plaintiff had sustained a severe complex crushing injury to his left thumb and was diagnosed with fractures. Following his presentation to the hospital, the plaintiff’s surgery for wound exploration, washout and fixation of his fractures was postponed until the...
For the first time since 2006, the Code has been substantially revised, culminating in the Code of Ethics 2004. Editorially Revised 2006. Revised 2016. AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, says that a Code of Ethics is essential for setting and maintaining the very high...
In a recent decision of the Professional Standards Committee Inquiry, a colorectal surgeon, Professor Morris, was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct for knowingly enabling an overseas based doctor, Dr Sugarbaker, who was not registered under the...
A recent case in which a chiropractor was convicted of false advertising for claiming to be able to prevent, treat and cure cancer serves as a reminder for practitioners to make sure they properly understand their obligations and follow the National Boards’ guidelines...
The revised guidance provides useful clarification on when doctors can disclose information in the public interest to protect individuals or society from risks of serious harm. The benefits to an individual or to society of the disclosure must outweigh both the...
Aged Care Act requirements for Resident Agreements The Aged Care Act 1997 (Act) says a provider must give all prospective residents or their representatives an accommodation/resident agreement (Agreement) prior to entering care. The Agreement must set out that the...
A Melbourne dentist has taken defamation action against a patient who posted a negative online review. Many practitioners seek to use legal strategies to combat a negative online review and preserve their reputation and business. A claim for defamation is complex,...
A key aim of the regulations is to control the potential for the misuse of hard drugs by implementing a system to identify and regulate ‘doctor shopping’. Health Minister John Day says the legislation “establishes the legal framework for the transfer of information...
Background facts On 2 March 2015, the practitioner was consulted for a medical assessment regarding his suitability to continue to hold, possess and/or use a firearms licence. At this attendance, the patient provided the practitioner with a letter from the Queensland...
It was alleged that the practitioner had attended a social function, had consumed an amount of alcohol and was affected, and then, whilst on call, attended on a pregnant patient in a hospital. It was also alleged that he conducted himself in an inappropriate manner...