JUDGMENTS
Tasmania. Health Practitioners Tribunal
The Tasmanian Board of the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia v Angela Shone (Ref No. 1/2012) [2012] TASHPT 2 (24 April 2012)
The Tasmanian Board of the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (applicant) and Angela Shone, a nurse (respondent), sought orders by the Health Practitioners Tribunal that gave effect to the terms agreed to by the parties following mediation.
Whilst working at St Ann's Compton Downs aged facility one day, the respondent failed to administer prescription medication to some patients, did not make records to that effect, but instead recorded that the medication had been administered. She did not inform any staff member of this. The next day, she documented that the medication was not administered. The entries should have been made the day before.
The Tribunal stated its primary role was ensuring public safety and maintaining professional standards. It therefore formed its own opinion as to the conduct complained and sanction suggested.
It noted that the respondent acknowledged her wrongdoing, was under a great deal of stress and had told her employer of the unrealistic work demands. There was no significant risk she would do it again and interim sanctions and employment termination had affected her.
The Tribunal found there was unprofessional conduct and deemed the orders submitted by the parties appropriate. The Respondent was reprimanded under section 196(2)(a) of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Tasmania) Act 2010 (Tas). She was to receive a period of supervised practice and attend weekly meetings with a Supervisor to reflect on medication and ethical issues. Supervisors would report each month and once three reports were satisfactory, the respondent could stop attending meetings.
LEGISLATION
Commonwealth
Health Insurance Amendment (Professional Services Review) Bill 2012 C2012B00070 - Representatives 9/5/2012 Introduced and read a first time
National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2012 (No. 4) (No. PB 33 of 2012) - F2012L01005 " PB 33 of 2012 as made
National Health Act 1953 - Amendment determination under paragraph 98C(1)(b) -conditions (No. PB 34 of 2012) - F2012L01004 " PB 34 of 2012 as made
Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Amendment Rules 2012 (No. 3) - F2012L01003 " as made
New South Wales
Health Legislation Amendment Bill - Legislative Assembly 9/5/2012 Moved second reading, debate adjourned
REPORTS
Australia. Department of Health & Ageing
Media releases
- 11 May 2012 - Australian Government 2012-13 Health and Ageing Portfolio Budget Statements and Budget Media Releases - Information for the Health and Ageing Portfolio 2012-13 Budget-related media releases are available for viewing.
Budget Media Releases:
- Government Invests in Frontline Health Services
- Blitz on Dental Waiting Lists to Benefit Low Income Australians
- New and Improved Health Facilities for Regional Australians
- Extension of Program to Fight Bowel Cancer
- Budget Delivers Certainty for eHealth System
- 8 May 2012 - Australian Government Invests in Frontline Health Services - The Australian Government will deliver major new health initiatives and continue to support frontline health services for Australian families in the 2012-2013 Budget.
- 8 May 2012 - Budget Delivers Certainty for eHealth System - Australian families will benefit from a $233.7 million investment to continue the rollout of a national, secure eHealth system which will deliver safer and better health services.
- 8 May 2012 - Facebook Joins the Organ and Tissue Donation Campaign - Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King has joined with Facebook to launch a way for Australians to start a conversation about their wish to become an organ and tissue donor.
- 8 May 2012 - Minister Welcomes Move on Duty-Free Tobacco - The Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek welcomed the Budget measure to reduce the amount of duty-free cigarettes and tobacco that people are allowed to bring into Australia.
- 6 May 2012 - Blitz on dental waiting lists to benefit low income Australians - The Australian Government has announced 400,000 people will benefit from a blitz on public dental waiting lists as part of a $515.3 million drive in foundation measures.
- 5 May 2012 - Expansion of Program to Fight Bowel Cancer - The Australian Government's lifesaving National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will be expanded under the 2012-13 Budget to provide additional screenings to people aged 60 and 70.
- 5 May 2012 - Healthy Eating for a Healthy Australia - Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King urges Australians to think carefully about their food and nutrition choices.
- 4 May 2012 - Grafton's $5 Million GP Super Clinic Officially Opened - The new $5 million GP Super Clinic in Grafton was opened on 4 May, making it easier for residents to see a GP and giving better access to quality health care.
- 4 May 2012 - Tribute to Organ and Tissue Donation Advocate David Gough - Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King today paid tribute to one of Australia's treasured advocates for organ and tissue donation, David Gough.
- 4 May 2012 - WA Acknowledged for Role in Organ and Tissue Donation - Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King has acknowledged Western Australia for its contribution to increasing organ and tissue donation for transplantation as part of the Australian Government's National Reform Agenda.
- 3 May 2012 - New Acting Chair of GPET Announced - Dr Richard Matthews has been appointed the Acting Chaiman of General Practice Training and Education Ltd. Dr Matthew's appointment is for a three-month period from 1 May 2012.
Asbestos: A guide for householders and the general public - May 2012
Private Health Insurance Circulars
- PHI 33/12 Classification of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 42738 (intravitreal injection) in the Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011
- PHI 32/12 Amendment to the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Amendment Rules 2012 (No.2)
- PHI 31/12 Release of Updated Check IT2 Version 1.9.0.1
Ageing
- 4 May 2012 - Influenza Letter for Community Care
- 1 May 2012 - Influenza Letter for Residential Care 0
Medical Benefits Scheme rebates and financial incentives are available for a range of specialist video consultations. - More Information
Telehealth changes announced in the 2012-2013 Budget
Changes to the Extended Medicare Safety Net - 1 November 2012 - This fact sheet has been updated to reflect the 2012-13 Budget decision that Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) benefit caps will be introduced for additional items from 1 November 2012.
Australia. National Health & Medical Research Council
10 May 2012 - Guideline Developers Network Meeting - The Monash University School of Primary Health Care and NHMRC are co-hosting the Guideline Developers Network Meeting in Melbourne on 24 May 2012. We invite anyone involved in the planning, development or implementation of guidelines to attend. For more information about the Network and the meeting contact clinicalguidelines@nhmrc.gov.au.
8 May 2012 - CEO Update: Outcomes of the 2012-13 Budget for NHMRC
Research Tracker – 4 May 2012 edition
Australia. Private Health Insurance Ombudsman
9 May 2012 - Quarterly Bulletin 62: 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012 - The latest Bulletin is now online.... Read More
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (and the Boards)
- 9 May 2012 - The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia releases its latest Communiqué. | Read Article
- 9 May 2012 - Chinese Medicine Board New Codes and Guidelines released | Read Article
- 8 May 2012 - The Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia releases its Communiqué on English Language Skills. | Read Article
- 7 May 2012 - Quarterly registered health practitioner data released today. | Read Article
- 7 May 2012 - The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia releases its latest Communiqué. | Read Article
- 4 May 2012 - The Dental Board of Australia releases its latest Communiqué. | Read Article
- 4 May 2012 - The Board recognises a special day for midwives in communities across the nation. | Read Article
- 4 May 2012 - The Podiatry Board of Australia announces forum to be held in Western Australia. | Read Article
- 4 May 2012 - Medical Radiation Practice Board has released an FAQ on registration | Read Article
- 4 May 2012 - The Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia releases its latest Communiqué. | Read Article
- 2 May 2012 - Medical Radiation Practice Board - The "Registering with the National Board" FAQ has been updated. | Read Article
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australians drinking less (Media Release) 2010-11 (cat no. 4307.0.55.001)
Australian National Council on Drugs
4 May 2012 - Second Australian Needle and Syringe Program Return on Investment Study (media release)
Australia. Therapeutic Goods Administration
ANZTPA Update email list - Email subscription service notifying of news and updates related to the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority or its business to business projects.
10 May 2012 - Improved search facilities from the eBS website - The Therapeutic Goods Administration has launched an improved interface for the publicly accessible eBusiness Services (eBS) website.
9 May 2012 - Draft compositional guideline: Magnesium citrate - dibasic tetrahydrate - Closing date: 22 June 2012.
8 May 2012 - Australian Public Assessment Reports for prescription medicines (AusPARs).
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare
Structured Microbiology Requests and Reports for eSurveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections - Call for expressions of interest to pilot.
New South Wales. Department of Health
Media releases
- 11 May 2012 - Woy Woy Hospital Redevelopment Begins
- 9 May 2012 - Funds Welcome for Peak Hill MPS
- 7 May 2012 - Extra Cleaners Move In at Royal North Shore Hospital
- 7 May 2012 - $80 million for Kempsey Hospital Redevelopment
- 7 May 2012 - A New Chapter in the Graythwaite Story
- 4 May 2012 - Cleaning action plan back on track following IRC decision
- 4 May 2012 - NSW Secures Yamba Community Health Centre
- 4 May 2012 - Funds Secure for Lismore Base Hospital
- 3 May 2012 - Opening of Nepean Clinical School
- 3 May 2012 - Armidale Hospital Tenders Called
- 2 May 2012 - Raising Awareness of Heart Health
Information bulletins
- 11 May 2012 - PD2005_047 Enrolled Nurse Recommendations from Review of Education Role & Function in NSW - Obsolete-IB2012_012
- 7 May 2012 - Notification of Infectious Diseases under the NSW Public Health Act 1991-IB2012_011
Policy directives
- 8 May 2012 - Surgical Activity During Christmas/New Year Policy-PD2012_024
- 7 May 2012 - Red Tape Reduction Initiative-PD2012_023
Northern Territory. Department of Health
Media releases
- Kon Vatskalis - Northern Suburbs Superclinic Location Unveiled - Health Minister Kon Vatskalis has today unveiled the proposed location for the Northern Suburbs Superclinic – a 5,000 square metre site in Malak, adjacent to Sanderson Middle School.
- Kon Vatskalis - NT Government Welcomes RDH Children's Ward Funding - Health Minister Kon Vatskalis has welcomed today's Federal Budget announcement that $11.9 million will be spent overhauling the Royal Darwin Hospital's Paediatric Ward.
- Kon Vatskalis - Government Accepts Youth Suicide Report Recommendations - Children and Families Minister Kon Vatskalis today said the NT Government would accept all the recommendations of the Select Committee's Report on Youth Suicide.
Queensland. Department of Health
- 11 May 2012 - New Health Minister Praises Nurses
South Australia. Department of Health
Media releases
- 9 May 2012 - Independent expert to review patient access at FMC
- 9 May 2012 - Take the time to have a pap
- 9 May 2012 - Seminar chews over advertising issues
- 7 May 2012 - 2012 SA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards
- 4 May 2012 - SA's hand hygiene rates continue to improve
Tasmania. Department of Health & Human Services
Media release
- 11 May 2012 - New Royal kitchen now cooking at Cambridge
- 9 May 2012 - Thanks to our volunteers
- 9 May 2012 - Women encouraged to have free breast screening
- 7 May 2012 - Help for Workplaces to Clear the Air - Minister for Health
Victoria. Department of Health
Media releases
- 9 May 2012 - Hospital projects deliver jobs for Victoria - The Victorian Coalition Government's massive $364 million investment in hospital redevelopments will pave the way for the creation of more than 700 jobs during the construction phase of the projects.
- 4 May 2012 - First step in community-based mental health reform - Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge has released a consultation paper to drive the reform of Victoria's communitybased mental health services.
- 3 May 2012 - Hospital EDs improve in latest Performance Report - Victoria's hospitals are continuing to improve their emergency department performances, Minister for Health David Davis said today.
Western Australia. Department of Health
Media releases
- 10 May 2012 - Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Development: 24/7 emergency care for more regional areas
- 10 May 2012 - Deputy Premier and Minister for Health: Regional governing council members announced
- 10 May 2012 - Deputy Premier and Minister for Health: Health governing council members announced
- 9 May 2012 - Promoting innovation in Aboriginal health
- 7 May 2012 - Deputy Premier and Minister for Health: Big improvement in ambulance service
Western Australia. Department of Health
WA Health Performance Report – January to March 2012 Quarter (PDF 1.3MB)
New Zealand. Ministry of Health
9 May 2012 - Resource and Capability Framework for Adult Palliative Care Services in New Zealand - The Resource and Capability Framework (the Framework) is intended to inform the completion of the final specialist palliative care service specifications. Read more
Draft Bill to modernise adult care and support in England included in Queen's Speech - The Queen's Speech included a draft bill to modernise adult care and support in England, setting out what support people could expect from government. Read more
->- Draft Bill to modernise adult care and support in England included in Queen's Speech
Statement on decision to veto the disclosure of the Transition Risk Register - The Secretary of State has today made a statement to Parliament explaining his decision to veto the disclosure of the Transition Risk Register. Read more ->– Statement on decision to veto the disclosure of the Transition Risk Register
Risk Register will not be published - The Department of Health's Transition Risk Register from November 2010, which was a statement of potential risks of National Health Service (NHS) changes, will not be published, following Cabinet agreement.Read more ->– Risk Register will not be published
Sir Alasdair Breckenridge appointed Chair of Emerging Science and Bioethics Advisory Committee - Sir Alasdair Breckenridge has been confirmed as Chair of the newly established Emerging Science and Bioethics Advisory Committee. He will take up post immediately. Read more ->– Sir Alasdair Breckenridge appointed Chair of Emerging Science and Bioethics Advisory Committee
Coughing could be a sign of lung cancer - A new campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer urges people to go and see their GP if they have had a cough. Read more ->– Coughing could be a sign of lung cancer
Save lives: Clean your hands - New cases of MRSA bloodstream infection have dropped by 41 % and C. difficile by 30% across the NHS in England since 2009/10. Read more ->– Save lives: Clean your hands
Canada. Health Canada
8 May 2012 - Harper Government Welcomes Mental Health Strategy - A call to action for all Canadians
Australian Medical Association
9 May 2012 - Cuts to Practice Incentive Payments (PIP) penalise GPs and pose public health risks - AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that last night's Budget cuts to PIPs to GPs will have a double negative impact on the health system by penalising GPs for not meeting new higher targets for cervical cancer screening and specialised diabetes care and removing incentives for immunisation. Dr Hambleton said these measures, along with changes to the e-health PIP, have the potential to pose serious public health risks and undermine successful preventive health programs that are providing health benefits to many Australians. Read more
8 May 2012 - Health budget reflects the economic times - AMA President, Dr Steven Hambleton said tonight that the government had done the right thing by sparing health from broad funding cuts to provide a budget for tough economic times and to fund a budget surplus. "Health has generally been sheltered from the budget cuts," Dr Hambleton said.
British Medical Association
The alcohol emergency - When Lisa Smyth spent a night on an emergency department, she witnessed first-hand how alcohol misuse is stretching health services to breaking point.
BMA calls for action on aid worker safety - Death of Red Cross worker prompts drive for protection.
Canadian Medical Association
8 May 2012 - Resident training: How many hours are too many?
© DLA Piper
This publication is intended as a general overview and discussion of the subjects dealt with. It is not intended to be, and should not used as, a substitute for taking legal advice in any specific situation. DLA Piper Australia will accept no responsibility for any actions taken or not taken on the basis of this publication.
DLA Piper Australia is part of DLA Piper, a global law firm, operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. For further information, please refer to www.dlapiper.com