Insights

A reminder for pharmacists: exercise caution when dispensing Schedule 3 Poisons

The case scenario: A complaint was made to the Pharmacy Board of Australia (‘Board’) that a pharmacist provided an excessive quantity of Restavit, a Schedule 3 poison, and for a duration for which there was no established therapeutic need. The pharmacist explained to the Board that he had supplied the drug as he believed it was […]

How long must you retain child care records in Victoria?

Are you aware that there are stringent requirements to retain child care records and also to implement supporting policies? The regulations relating to the retention of child care records are reflected in the Education and Care Services National Regulations Regulation 177 and 183, which are adopted in Victoria under the Education and Care Services National […]

Beware of altered, forged or fraudulent prescriptions: a reminder for pharmacists

The case scenario: A patient made a complaint to the Pharmacy Board of Australia (‘Board’) that a pharmacist refused to dispense a prescription for Mogadon. The pharmacist explained to the Board that the reason he refused to dispense the prescription was because the previous year the patient had presented to the pharmacy with a forged […]

Dental insights: Is your radiology equipment registered and your radiology licence up-to-date?

The use and licensing of radiology equipment in South Australia is controlled and managed by the South Australia Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which administers the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 and the Radiation Protection and Control (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2015. The EPA’s Radiation Protection Branch deals with radiology equipment within healthcare, which includes regulating […]

The changing state of play: The natural evolution of the professional regulation of pharmacy

The revised suite of Guidelines issued by the Pharmacy Board of Australia (National Board) came into force on 7 December 2015. It is important that employee and locum pharmacists are aware of the revised Guidelines for Proprietor Pharmacists. The reason for this is twofold: first, it is important to have a working knowledge of how the […]

Schedule 8 medications: A disturbing trend in storage and record keeping

The Victoria Pharmacy Authority (VPA) has revealed that …a disturbing number of pharmacists continue to ignore requirements for secure storage and maintenance of accurate records for Schedule 8 poisons. At its August meeting the Authority reaffirmed its prior decision to convene Panel Hearings following cases of alleged serious breaches of Schedule 8 poisons legislation (VPA […]

AHPRA extends its reach to social media

Case scenario: Dr Blog recently revamped the clinic’s website. He engaged a marketing company to perform the task, and was largely guided by their suggestions on how best to draw business to the clinic. The website contained statements from the clinic’s patients about their favourable treatment experience. The website also contained a link through to […]

A reminder of what is notifiable conduct, and the consequences of failing to notify

On 4 February 2015 the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal found a medical practitioner had breached section 141 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (ACT) by failing to notify the Medical Board of Australia of Notifiable Conduct of another practitioner. The following facts were agreed: Dr A, a medical practitioner, owned a clinic and […]

The cost of doing business: an open and shut case for a child care centre

A case with a fortunate outcome highlights the need for child care operators to be vigilant in actioning issues identified for maintenance, which potentially impact on safety. This case also confirms the importance of clear and open communication. The facts In this case a parent inadvertently left an entrance gate open at a child care […]

Pharmacy alert: maintaining script certifications

Pharmacists in Victoria are governed by a number of different pieces of legislation and associated regulations. This article warns pharmacists not to overlook their obligations under section 32(4)(c) of the Pharmacy Regulation Act 2010 (Vic). Section 32 of the Act relates to a pharmacist’s obligation to keep accurate records of dispensed prescriptions (and details the […]

Medico-legal issues for radiographers

BreastScreen radiographers, as health professionals, owe a number of legal and ethical obligations to all women who attend for screening mammograms. These obligations stem from statute, the common law and ethical and professional guidelines. It is important for radiographers to be aware of these obligations, to ensure their services are provided professionally, and the rights […]

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