While 84% of Australians consider privacy to be important when they are choosing a website or digital service, only 20% read privacy policies and are confident they understand them.[1] This highlights the trust Australians place in service providers – trusting that their personal information will be handled with integrity and care. This year’s Privacy Awareness […]
Insights Categories: Health
A cautionary note to all health practitioners: don’t be caught out by section 130 of the National Law!
With increasing frequency in recent times, Meridian Lawyers is acting for registered health practitioners who have been the subject of investigation and/or disciplinary action for failure to comply with their obligation to notify their National Board of a ‘relevant event’. This article also serves to remind health practitioners and students[1] of their obligations to notify, […]
UK: Court of Appeal overturns controversial finding that under-16s cannot give informed consent to treatment with puberty blockers for gender dysphoria
UK: Court of Appeal overturns controversial finding that under-16s cannot give informed consent to treatment with puberty blockers for gender dysphoria; attempt to restrict the Gillick test by elucidating a clinical checklist for consent deemed “inappropriate” The UK Court of Appeal[1] has overturned the controversial decision of Bell v Tavistock[2] in which the High Court […]
United Kingdom High Court considers claim for discrimination by abortion laws to people with Down’s syndrome
Heidi Crowter, a 26-year-old woman with Down’s syndrome, brought a case in the High Court of England and Wales challenging the validity of the abortion laws in England, Scotland and Wales. Mrs Crowter argued that the laws were fundamentally discriminatory against people living with Down’s syndrome.[1] Mrs Crowter — who is married and lives independently […]
7-Eleven in breach of privacy laws over survey collecting facial images
The Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner, Angelene Falk, recently determined that 7-Eleven interfered with up to 1.6 million customers’ privacy by collecting sensitive biometric information, via in-store customer satisfaction surveys, that was not reasonably necessary for its functions and without adequate notice or consent. This determination is a timely reminder to businesses to collect […]
Do you really need a copy of my COVID-19 vaccination certificate?
Vaccinated Australians will have, by now, accessed their COVID-19 vaccination certificate, a token of our roadmap out of lockdown. However, the token comes with personal and, in some formats, sensitive information. For example, the: COVID-19 digital certificate which can be saved to a smart phone reveals date of birth; the International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate that […]
NCAT overturned Medical Council’s decision to suspend medical student’s licence
Case: Hyland v Medical Council of New South Wales [2021] NSWCATOD 199 The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (“the Tribunal”) set aside the Medical Council of New South Wales’ (“the Council”) decision to suspend Mr Hyland’s registration as a medical student. Background The Council considered that it was appropriate to suspend Mr Hyland’s registration “in […]
Veterinary practice in WA: Proposed amendments to the current regulatory framework
The Veterinary Practice Bill 2021 (WA) (Bill) had its third reading in the legislative council on 2 September 2021. The Bill will repeal the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1960 (Current Act) and the Veterinary Surgeons Regulations 1979 (Current Regulations). The Bill introduces new regulations that align with the proposed regulatory framework. However, the regulations are not […]
Do you send personal information offshore?
A recent decision of the Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner highlights the responsibilities of global corporations with Australian users under Australian privacy law, particularly where the handling of personal information of Australians is outsourced to a company based overseas, whether that be a company within the same corporate group, or an unrelated third party. It […]
Selling your medical practice
Aim for a pain free goodbye Meridian Lawyers acts for doctors in the sale and purchase of their medical practices. Here is a brief overview of the legal process, together with tips on how to make the process as pain free as possible. Step 1 – Gather information about your practice The doctor selling […]
Pharmacists: are you ready for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout?
A refresher on the key responsibilities for pharmacists who conduct vaccinations The Australian Federal Government has announced that pharmacists will play a key role in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout strategy. Phases 2 and 3 of the vaccine rollout involve administering the vaccine in multiple locations, including community pharmacies. Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout commenced […]