As part of the national health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government has rolled out new temporary Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) ‘telehealth’ items. The purpose of these item numbers is to enable patients to receive essential health care during the pandemic whilst reducing the community transmission of COVID-19. At this stage, the item […]
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INSIGHT: A reminder on section 130 of the National Law: notify the National Boards of ‘certain events’, or face a possible finding of unprofessional conduct
Most registered health practitioners are aware of the obligation to notify the National Board of certain events should they occur. These requirements are set out in section 130 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (the “National Law”). However, we have recently seen an ‘uptick’ in the number of disciplinary decisions which have […]
INSIGHT: Health practitioner seeks help from the Federal Court to uncover identity of negative Google reviewer
Meridian Lawyers regularly assists health practitioners to respond to queries or complaints by AHPRA about their online advertising. In the process of providing this assistance, we are often asked by practitioners whether anything can be done about unfair testimonials that may be made about them on independent online platforms like Google. In an age where […]
INSIGHT: Dentist seeks help from the Federal Court to uncover identity of negative Google reviewer
Meridian Lawyers regularly assists health practitioners to respond to queries or complaints by AHPRA about their online advertising. In the process of providing this assistance, we are often asked by practitioners whether anything can be done about unfair testimonials that may be made about them on independent online platforms like Google. In an age where […]
INSIGHT: AHPRA releases revised Guidelines for Mandatory Notifications about registered health practitioners
On 21 February 2020, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) released revised guidelines in anticipation of changes to mandatory notification requirements coming into effect in March 2020. The revised guidelines explain the requirements to make mandatory notifications under the updated legislative requirements for treating registered health practitioners, non-treating registered health practitioners, employers of registered […]
INSIGHT: Audio and Video Records – are they legal?
It may seem an easier way in this technologically savvy world we inhabit, to simply record information or other data about patients, either by audio or visual means. This is attractive as records are correct and comprehensive and may be utilised in the defence of any complaint. However, there are legalities surrounding such records and […]
INSIGHT: Payroll tax clampdown on healthcare clinic operators
In recent times, there has been a strong focus by revenue authorities on tax compliance by health service providers including operators of medical, dental, optometry and other allied health clinics. Payroll tax compliance in particular has been in the spotlight. In the recent decision of Commissioner of State Revenue V The Optical Superstore Pty Ltd […]
INSIGHT: 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 […]
INSIGHT: A reminder to ensure the dental justification for treatment plan is clearly recorded
In this case, the Dental Board of Australia conducted an investigation after a patient notified the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), alleging over-diagnosis by a dental practitioner. The key facts: A patient presented in 2015 for extraction of a heavily filled tooth which was now fractured and un-restorable. The tooth was extracted simply and without […]
INSIGHT: Storage and prescribing of medication in the dental surgery
A dental scenario: A dental assistant, at the dentist’s direction, supplied an anxious patient with Serepax (oxazepam) prior to surgical extraction of a tooth. An entry was made in the electronic records that Serapax had been given including details of date and time the medication was provided. However, the dental assistant who entered the notes […]
INSIGHT: Fast-tracked orthodontic treatments give rise to informed consent and scope of practice issues
Dental scenario: A patient raised concerns about his smile during a routine consultation with his general dentist. He wanted to improve the alignment of his front teeth and to have his upper central incisors moved inwards. He had seen advertising regarding some proprietary fast-tracked orthodontic treatments and enquired about options. The practitioner discussed the option […]