New South Wales. Nursing & Midwifery Tribunal
HCCC V DEANO [2011] NSWNMT 27 (14 October 2011)
This New South Wales Nursing and Midwifery Tribunal case involved an inquiry into complaints against a nurse regarding unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct within the meaning of sections 139B and 139E of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW).
The nurse was employed as a registered nurse in the Medical Assessment Unit of the Concord Repatriation and General Hospital. It was alleged that during her employment the nurse had demonstrated knowledge, skill, judgement or care significantly below the standard reasonably expected of a nurse of equivalent training and/or experience and was guilty of improper or unethical conduct relating to the practice of nursing.
The particulars of the complaints included that the nurse regularly slept in empty patient beds in the ward while on night shift, took longer breaks than she was entitled to and allowed and encouraged other nurses to do the same. It was further alleged that the nurse had signed a medication chart for a patient that she had not administered or witnessed being administered, had contravened the relevant poisons legislation and departmental policy by leaving a key to the schedule eight drug cabinet in a draw throughout her shifts and had attempted to influence the evidence that a junior colleague would give in relation to the investigation of these matters.
The tribunal was reasonably satisfied that the complaints of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct were proven and that the nurse's registration should be cancelled. Costs were awarded to the complainant.
New South Wales. Psychologists Tribunal
CAMACHO V PSYCHOLOGY COUNCIL OF NSW [2011] NSWPST 1 (30 September 2011)
This Psychology Tribunal of New South Wales decision concerned an inquiry into an appeal by the appellant in relation to a decision of the Psychology Council of New South Wales. The appellant had engaged in criminal conduct involving the presentation of 260 invoices to WorkCover for consultations that did not actually occur between and around 2005 to 2007. The appellant pleaded guilty and was convicted of 13 counts of obtaining money by deception under sections 17BA and 344A of the Crimes Act 1900 and was sentenced on 1 July 2010 to 250 hours of community service plus a fine of $10,000.
The complaint before the tribunal alleged that the appellant's conduct constituted unsatisfactory professional conduct within the meaning of section 25(a) of the Psychology Act 2001. The tribunal was satisfied that the appellant's conduct demonstrated that the judgment possessed by the appellant was significantly below the standard reasonably expected of a practitioner of an equivalent level of training or experience. Therefore the tribunal was satisfied that unsatisfactory professional conduct was proven and suspended the appellant's registration.
However, the tribunal declined to de-register the appellant, referring to relevant factors including that the appellant had pleaded guilty at an early stage, had made reparation, had admitted to unsatisfactory professional conduct and was willing to have conditions imposed on his registration. The Tribunal was of the view that, provided the appellant maintains good mental health, he would not be likely to commit any similar offences in the future.
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Medical practitioner – transgression of ethical boundaries with female patient – inappropriate personal and emotional relationship – likely sexual activity – doctor obtaining a financial advantage to which he was not entitled – inappropriate sexual relationship with former patient – failure to exercise the skill and care of a reasonably competent medical practitioner and dishonesty in record keeping concerning the patient's husband – breaches of the Medical Practice Act 1994 (Vic) and the Health Professions Registration Act 2005 (Vic) – unprofessional conduct of a serious nature – professional misconduct – cancellation of registration and disqualification for 18 months
LEGISLATION
Commonwealth
National Health Reform Amendment (National Health Performance Authority) Act 2011 - C2011A00109 " Act No. 109 of 2011 as made
Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Amendment Rules 2011 (No. 6) - F2011L02091 " as made
National Health Reform Amendment (National Health Performance Authority) Act 2011 proclamation - F2011L02089 " as made
Health Insurance (Bone Densitometry) Determination 2011 - F2011L02082 as made
Tasmania
Public Health Amendment Bill 56 of 2011
Tasmanian Health Organisations Bill 58 of 2011
Mental Health Amendment Bill 57 of 2011
Victoria
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Prohibition of Display and Sale of Cannabis Water Pipes) Act 2011 - Assent: 18/10/2011
REPORTS
Australia. Department of Health & Ageing
Media releases
- 20 October 2011- 41 New Health Professionals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Servivces Across Australia-Health checks and access to health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will be easier with the announcement of new positions across Australia. These cover outreach workers, practice managers and health professionals to be based in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
- 20 October 2011- Palm Islanders to Have Bigger Say In Their Local Health Services-The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon and Queensland Minister for Health, Geoff Wilson have welcomed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on Palm Island taking more direct involvement in their primary health care services with the signing of the Palm Island Statement of Intent.
- 19 October 2011- A Conversation on Ageing with Key Multicultural and Ethnic Groups-Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Kate Lundy have met with key multicultural community organisations in Sydney as part of a national conversation on healthy and positive ageing.
- 19 October 2011- New Centre to Train More Doctors and Nurses in Western Sydney-A new training centre that will play a key role in training more doctors and nurses for Western Sydney has been opened in Blacktown.
- 19 October 2011- New Primary Health Care Services for South-East Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in south-east Queensland will have better access to health checks, general practice services, dental health, allied health and follow-up care with the opening of two new clinics in Brisbane.
- 18 October 2011- Allan Fels AO to Head Up Australia's First National Mental Health Commission-Professor Allan Fels AO will chair the nation's first National Mental Health Commission, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler has announced.
- 18 October 2011- Australia Continues to Build on Increased Organ Donation and Transplantation-Australia's official organ donation and transplantation outcomes are at the highest levels since national records began.
- 17 October 2011- $3.4 Million for Tasmanian Health and Medical Research-The Menzies Research Institute will benefit from the single largest investment in health and medical research grants in Australian history, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing announced on 17 October 2011.
- 17 October 2011- $35.7 Million for Research for Better Mental Health-Australians living with mental illness will benefit from 61 new research grants announced by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
- 17 October 2011- $39.8 Million in Health and Medical Research to Help Close the Gap-The Australian Government will fund $39.8 million of health and medical research towards improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- 17 October 2011- $47 Million in Health and Medical Research Funding to Meet the Challenges of Ageing-Health and medical research into dementia, Parkinson's disease, bone disease and other major age-related conditions will benefit from $47 million in Australian Government funding.
- 17 October 2011- $673.7 Million for Biggest Ever Investment in Health and Medical Research-The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler has announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history.
- 17 October 2011- ACT Gains $10.8 Million from Biggest Ever Grant Announcement for Health and Medical Research-The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australia on 17 October 2011.
- 17 October 2011- Appointment of New England North West Regional Cancer Centre Construction Tender Welcomed-Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon has welcomed the appointment of Richard Crookes Construction to build the New England North West Regional Cancer Centre.
- 17 October 2011- Boost for Health Medical Research in South Australia-The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler has announced the single biggest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history.
- 17 October 2011- Northern Territory Researchers' Excel in Medical Research Grants-Northern Territory researchers excelled in an announcement of grants for health and medical research in Australia by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
- 17 October 2011- Queensland Women Lead the Way in $96.5 Million of Ground Breaking Medical Research-Queensland's leading female researchers will receive funding to continue their groundbreaking work in osteoporosis, the genetics of ovarian cancer and childhood obesity prevention, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced on 17 October.
- 17 October 2011- Stanmore Public School Amongst 50 New Schools to Start Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Gardens -Kids at another 50 schools around Australia are set to join 128 schools that are already growing tomatoes, green beans, sweet corn and other veggies while learning about food and healthy eating habits.
- 17 October 2011- University of Sydney and University of Newcastle Shine in Health and Medical Research Stakes-The University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle topped the list of metropolitan and regional universities in the biggest ever investment of $673.7 million for health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced on 17 October.
- 17 October 2011- University of WA in Top 10 for Australian Health and Medical Research Grants-Western Australia universities and medical research institutes will benefit from $28.2 million in research funding for 59 projects, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced on 17 October 2011.
- 17 October 2011- Victoria Shines in Health and Medical Research-Research institutes and universities in Victoria led the field in the biggest ever investment in health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced on 17 October 2011.
- Private Health Insurance Circulars
- PHI 77/11 Private Hospital Information
- PHI 76/11 Reminder: Information to be Provided to the Department to Maintain an Accurate and up-to-date Declared Hospital Instrument
- PHI 75/11 Reminder: Data Reporting Requirements for Private Hospitals
- PHI 74/11 Electronic Private Patient Hospital Claim Form ("ePPHC") Download the complete 2010-11 Annual Report (PDF 13414 KB)
Australia. Private Health Insurance Administration Council
Circular 11/18 — Oct 18, 2011 -The Private Health Insurance Administration Council has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to establish a stronger framework for cooperation between the agencies.
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
ACCC grants interim authorisation to CALMS fee cap schedule- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim authorisation to the Canbe...Issued: Issued: 20 October 2011 Release # NR 196/11
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Information for medical and pharmacy interns with provisional registration seeking general registration - 20/10/2011 | Read Article
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare
Trends in palliative care in Australian hospitals (19 Oct 2011)
Identifying palliative care separations in admitted patient data (19 Oct 2011)
Asthma in Australia 2011 (17 Oct 2011)
Australia. National Health & Medical Research Council
17 October 2011 - $673.3 Million for Biggest Ever Investment in Health and Medical Research - The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler today announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history. The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide. This investment, through the National Health and Medical Research Council, will ensure that Australia continues to expand the frontiers of health and medical research....See full media release...
17 October 2011 - $47 Million in Health and Medical Research Funding to Meet the Challenges of Ageing - Health and medical research into dementia, Parkinson's disease, bone disease and other major age-related conditions will benefit from $47 million in Australian Government funding, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler said today. Mr Butler today announced funding for 93 National Health and Medical Research grants focused on ageing. "The Gillard Labor Government is committed to improving the health and quality of life for our older Australians. One of the key... See full media release...
17 October 2011 - $39.8 Million in Health and Medical Research to Help Close the Gap - The Gillard Labor Government will fund $39.8 million of health and medical research towards improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler and the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon today announced 53 National Health and Medical Research grants focused on Indigenous health. "Closing the gap in life expectancy and quality of life for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is... See full media release...
17 October 2011 - $35.7 Million for Research for Better Mental Health - Australians living with mental illness will benefit from 61 new research grants announced today by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler. Researchers across Australia will receive $35.7 million, through the National Health and Medical Research Council, to fund research into the mental health disorders that affect one in five Australians at some point in their life. "Australia has a strong history of pushing the boundaries in successful mental health research. ... See full media release...
17 October 2011 - Northern Territory Researchers' excel in medical research grants - Northern Territory researchers excelled in today's announcement of grants for health and medical research in Australia by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler. Northern Territory researchers won $17.6 million for 17 grants to the Menzies School of Health Research, through the National Health and Medical Research Council. Over 63 per cent of NT grant applications were selected for funding through a highly competitive national process, nearly tripling the Australian average...See full media release...
17 October 2011 - University of Sydney and University of Newcastle shine in health and medical research stakes - The University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle topped the list of metropolitan and regional universities in the biggest ever investment of $673.7 million for health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced today. The University of Sydney received the greatest amount of funding for research institutions nationwide, with $87.8 million for 149 grants. Researchers at the University of Newcastle will benefit from $12.7 million in 21... - See full media release...
17 October 2011 - Queensland Women Lead the way in $96.5 Million of Ground Breaking Medical Research - Queensland's leading female researchers will receive funding to continue their groundbreaking work in osteoporosis, the genetics of ovarian cancer and childhood obesity prevention, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced today. The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide. This represents the single biggest investment of grants for health and medical... - See full media release...
17 October 2011 - Boost for Health and Medical Research in South Australia - The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler today announced the single biggest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history. The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide. South Australian universities and research institutes will receive $59.3 million for 90 grants, through the National Health and Medical Research Council. "This... See full media release...
17 October 2011 - $3.4 Million for Tasmanian Health and Medical Research - The Menzies Research Institute will benefit from the single largest investment in health and medical research grants in Australian history, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing announced today. The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide. Eight researchers and research teams will receive grants totalling $3.4 million, through the National Health and Medical Research Council....- See full media release...
17 October 2011 - Victoria Shines in Health and Medical Research - Research institutes and universities in Victoria led the field in the biggest ever investment in health and medical research, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced today. The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide. 472 researchers, research projects and research institutions in Victoria will receive grants of $278.2 million, 41.2 per cent of the total...- See full media release...
17 October 2011 - ACT Gains $10.8 Million from Biggest Ever Grant Announcement for Health and Medical Research - The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler today announced the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australia. The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide. ACT researchers will benefit from $10.8 million of this funding, through 20 National Health and Medical Research Council grants. This investment will ensure that researchers in...- See full media release...
17 October 2011 - University of WA in Top 10 for Australian Health and Medical Research Grants - Western Australia universities and medical research institutes will benefit from $28.2 million in research funding for 59 projects, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced today. The Gillard Labor Government is providing $673.7 million for 1,140 grants to support researchers, research projects and research institutions Australia-wide. This represents the single biggest announcement of grants for health and medical research in Australian history. The University of...See full media release...
Australia. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
20 October Consultation: Application for PID on Collection of Family, Social and Medical Histories
Australia. Therapeutic Goods Administration
19 October 2011 - Oto-Ease ear lubricant - Some bottles of Oto-Ease® Ear Lubricant (also called Oto-Ease® Earmold and Hearing Aid Lubricant) may be contaminated and are being recalled
19 October 2011 - The Poisons Standard (the SUSMP) - Added link to SUSMP No.2 Amendment No.2
18 October 2011 - Draft compositional guideline: Deer velvet antler powder - Draft compositional guideline for deer velvet antler powder. Closing date: 29 November 2011
18 October 2011- Draft compositional guideline: Deer velvet antler slice - Draft compositional guideline for deer velvet antler slice. Closing date: 29 November 2011
18 October 2011 - Labelling and packaging review - Update regarding the labelling and packaging review
Australian Capital Territory. Department of Health
Media releases
- Smoke with kids in the car and cough up a fine-Katy Gallagher, MLA-October 20 2011
- Government to recognise Dr Peter Sharp's legacy through $50,000 annual scholarship-Katy Gallagher, MLA-October 18 2011
- Nude Food delivers community benefits-Katy Gallagher, MLA-October 18 2011 Community Nurse of the Year (20 October 2011) - Fran Morson has been named Community Nurse of the Year at the Community Nursing and Midwifery Symposium.
New South Wales. Department of Health
Media releases
- Getting on with the job in Tamworth [17 October 2011]
- Tender awarded for Cancer Centre [17 October 2011]
- Minister awards Cellulitis project [14 October 2011]
- Day set aside to remember lost children [14 October 2011] Policy directives
- Non-Admitted Patient Activity- PD2011_067-18/10/2011
- Waste Reduction & Purchasing Policy 2011-2014-PD2011_066-17/10/2011
Northern Territory. Department of Health
Media releases
- Kon Vatskalis - CLP Votes Against Superclinic - The NT Government lost a motion in Parliament today calling for Canberra to deliver the Northern Suburbs Superclinic - after the CLP voted against it.
- Kon Vatskalis / Paul Henderson - Northern Suburbs Superclinic: The Fight To Deliver - The NT Government today reaffirmed that it will do everything it possibly can to get a Superclinic for the people of the northern suburbs.
Queensland. Department of Health
Media Releases
- 21/10/2011- Statement from the Minister for Health
- 20/10/2011- Calls extended for community leaders to help change the face of public health
- 20/10/2011- Palm Islanders to have bigger say in their local health services October edition Health Matters now online
South Australia. Department of Health
Media releases
- 20 Oct 11 - Facebook campaign to attract dentists to SA
- 20 Oct 11 - SA Health begins evaluation of obesity prevention program
- 19 Oct 11 - New clinical handover iPhone app released
- 18 Oct 11 - Precautionary screening offered to Lyell McEwin Hospital patients
- 14 Oct 11 - Public hospital car parking charges begin next week
Tasmania. Department of Health
Media releases
- The Tasmanian Liberals: Working Hard to Ignore the Issues-Minister for Health-15 October 2011
- Commonwealth Should Be a Help Not a Hindrance in Health Care-Minister for Health-14 October 2011
- Graduate Nurse Employment Register-Minister for Health-14 October 2011
Victoria. Department of Health
Media releases
- Landmark agreement secures new aged care facility in South Melbourne - Wednesday 19 Oct 2011 - A new residential aged care facility will be built in South Melbourne thanks to an agreement between the Victorian Coalition Government and a not-for-profit aged care provider.
- Meerkats arrive at new Royal Children's Hospital - Saturday 15 Oct 2011 - A group of nine meerkats is set to brighten the lives of seriously ill children at Victoria's new world class Royal Children's Hospital.
- Call for submissions on mental illness and work - Thursday 20 Oct 2011 - A Parliamentary inquiry into workforce participation by people with a mental illness is now taking public submissions, Mental Health Minister, Mary Wooldridge announced today.
- New mental health service opens in Maroondah - Wednesday 19 Oct 2011 - People with a mental illness in Melbourne's east now have access to a new short-stay residential prevention and recovery care service officially opened today by Mental Health Minister, Mary Wooldridge with the Member for Kilsyth, David Hodgett.
- Government unveils $10 million Mental Illness Research Fund - Friday 14 Oct 2011 - Implemented policies - The treatment of people with a mental illness will be improved through a major research fund unveiled today by Mental Health Minister, Mary Wooldridge. Dementia framework for Victoria 2006-2010, Implementation report Consultative Council for Human Research Ethics - Interstate Mutual Acceptance
Western Australia. Department of Health
Media releases
- 21 October 2011 - Minister for Mental Health: Broome's acute psychiatric unit set for 2012 completion
- 18 October 2011 - Minister for Health: New scanner to reduce wait times
- 18 October 2011 - Ensuring clinical excellence in patient care Annual Reports 2010-11
New Zealand. Ministry of Health
12 Oct: The Price of Cancer: The public price of registered cancer in New Zealand
United Kingdom. Department of Health
NHS Constitution changes to enshrine whistle-blowing in law - Health staff who raise concerns about poor patient care will be protected in the future under changes to the NHS Constitution announced today. The changes will also make it clear that it is the duty of all NHS workers to... Read more...NHS Constitution changes to enshrine whistle-blowing in law
The week: issue 219 - In this edition of "the week", read about the launches of the Birth and Beyond resource pack and the NHS staff survey. Also, find out about a new campaign to promote FRANK and download the latest medical device alerts from... Read more
Preparation for Birth and Beyond: resource pack to help parenthood groups - "Preparation for Birth and Beyond: a resource pack for leaders of community groups and activities", which aims to help the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector in planning or running groups for expectant and new parents, has been published... Read more ...Preparation for Birth and Beyond: resource pack to help parenthood groups
Recommendations follow NHS Blood and Transplant review - A review of NHS Blood and Transplant ("NHSBT") recommends that it must continue its work to improve services, ensuring that blood supplies are used appropriately, efficiently and safely. The recommendations are in a report published today by the Department of... Read more...Recommendations follow NHS Blood and Transplant review
Australian Medical Association
AMA supports WMA appeal for fair retrial for Bahraini doctors - Monday 17 October 2011 - The AMA supports the direct appeal by the World Medical Association ("WMA") to the King of Bahrain to ensure a fair retrial for the doctors and other health professionals who have been convicted for treating people who were injured during recent civil unrest.
Mammograms vital for cancer survivors - Friday 14 October 2011 - MJA release - Women with a history of breast cancer should be included in population mammography screening programs, according to new evidence published in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.
Australians confused about first aid treatment of burns - Friday 14 October 2011 - MJA release - Less than 10 per cent of people are aware they need to cool burn wounds for 20 minutes in cool water as a first aid measure, a statistic that has prompted a call from public health specialists for a review of national first aid recommendations.
The time has come to talk about dying - Friday 14 October 2011 - MJA release - Modern medicine has shifted its focus to prolonging life at all costs, but it's time to put the planning of end-of-life care back on the agenda, according to an editorial in the 17 October issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.
Doctors neglecting conflicts of interest in guidelines - Friday 14 October 2011 - MJA release - Only 15 per cent of guidelines on the National Health and Medical Research Council ("NHMRC") portal from the most prolific developers have published conflict of interest statements, according to researchers reporting in the 17 October issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.
GP Network News, Issue 11, Number 40 - 14 October 2011 - Friday 14 October 2011 - GP Super Clinics – need for a proper audit; MBS Indexation inadequate; Average fees for patient billed services; AMA delivers mental health petition to the Government; Advice for patients whose treatment plan is impacted by the cuts to mental health services and rebates; Australian Wound Management Association ("AWMA"); Aged care survey – call for participants; OnePath - Australian families are underinsured; Email the AMA; Post new comment to the website.
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