HEALTH ALERT

11 February 2019 Judgments ...... 2 Recent Decisions ...... 2 New South Wales (NSW) ...... 2 Queensland ...... 3 Victoria ...... 3 Western Australia ...... 3 Legislation ...... 3 Victoria ...... 3 Reports ...... 3 Australia. Department of Health ...... 3 Australia. Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the boards ...... 4 Australia. Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS) ...... 5 Australia. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ...... 5 Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care ...... 6 Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Health Directorate ...... 6 Northern Territory ...... 7 Queensland (QLD). Department of Health ...... 7 South Australia (SA). Department for Health and Wellbeing ...... 7 Tasmania. Department of Health & Human Services ...... 8 Victoria. Department of Health ...... 8 Western Australia. Department of Health ...... 8 Australian Medical Association (AuMA) ...... 8 About us ...... 10 More information ...... 10

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JUDGMENTS Recent Decisions 8 February 2019 - RJB Wolfe Pty Ltd v Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic Pty Ltd [2019] VSC 27 - TRADE PRACTICES – Misleading or deceptive conduct – Passing off – Use of name ‘Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic’ – Established business called ‘Peninsula Eye Centre’ – Whether defendants made false representation as to existence of a connection or affiliation with the business of the plaintiff – Where business names use descriptive or functional terms – Plaintiff had not established and maintained distinctive reputation in its business name – Ophthalmologists, optometrists, general practitioners and patients are not likely to be misled into believing that practice of first defendant is associated with that of the plaintiff – Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Sch 2 s 18. The plaintiff, a company associated with Dr Richard Wolfe, a leading ophthalmic surgeon, provides a comprehensive range of ophthalmic services under the business name Peninsula Eye Centre. Peninsula Eye Centre was established by Dr Wolfe over 30 years ago in the Mornington Shire. The first defendant, a company associated with Dr Edward Roufail and Dr Anton Van Heerden, both ophthalmologists and vitreo- retinal surgeons, and the second and third defendants respectively, has recently established a competing ophthalmology business known as Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic. Both practices are located on the Nepean Highway, Mornington within a kilometre of each other. Dr Wolfe complains that the names are similar and apt to confuse. He wants Drs Roufail and Van Heerden, who both at times operated at his surgery, to cease using the word ‘Peninsula’ in their trading name. He is content for the phrase ‘Mornington Eye Clinic’ to be used and contends that the geographical or generic word ‘Peninsula’ after ‘Mornington’ is misleading and apt to confuse. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct or conduct likely to mislead or deceive in contravention of s 18 of the Australian Consumer Law, being Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). A further claim for passing off was also made. It was found the plaintiff has not established that the use by the first defendant of its business name, Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic is conduct that has, or is likely to, mislead or deceive the public. The claim of misleading or deceptive conduct failed. The claim of passing off also failed. 8 February 2019 - Health Care Complaints Commission v Achurch [2019] NSWCATOD 20 - PROFESSIONS AND TRADES - Health care professionals – Nurses – Where nurse admitted to having been convicted of drug offences – Where nurse admitted to contravening the National Law by failing to notify the regulator of criminal charges and by failing to provide details of the change in her criminal history when applying for registration renewal – Whether the misleading statements on nurse’s renewal applications capable of constituting 'other improper or unethical conduct' within s 139B(1)(l) of the National Law – Whether admitted criminal conduct and contraventions of the National Law makes the nurse 'otherwise' not suitable to hold registration - Meaning of s 144(e) of the National Law – Whether supplying prohibited drugs makes nurse unsuitable to hold registration where she is remorseful for her conduct. Ms Achurch was found guilty of the offence of resisting a police officer in the exercise of duty in 2014 and convicted of two offences of drug supply in 2016, whilst registered as a nurse. She failed to disclose the charges against her and the criminal findings to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and made false statements about her criminal history in her registration renewal applications. The Health Care Complaints Commission applied for disciplinary orders against Ms Achurch. The Tribunal found that the complaint that Ms Achurch has been convicted of offences in the State of New South Wales had been made out. The Tribunal were also satisfied that she is guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct in that she contravened provisions of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) when she failed to disclose the charges and convictions and that she engaged in improper or unethical conduct when she made false statements on her renewal applications. The Tribunal were not satisfied that the Commission had established its fourth complaint, that she is otherwise not suitable to hold registration. New South Wales (NSW) 18 January 2019 - Fresh inquest into the death of Jarrod Wright - CORONIAL LAW – whether necessary or desirable for recommendation to be made regarding nursing/patient ratios. 4 February 2019 - Attorney General for NSW v Bar-Mordecai [2019] NSWSC 13 - PROCEDURE – Vexatious litigant – leave to appeal under Vexatious Proceedings Act 2008 – deregistration by Medical

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Tribunal – NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal – professional competence – professional misconduct – unfitness to practice – leave to commence proceedings in NCAT dismissed. 7 February 2019 - Sills v State of New South Wales [2019] NSWCA 4 - TORTS – action by a former police officer against the State pursuant to the Crime Proceedings Act 1988 (NSW) – alleged breach of non-delegable duty to take reasonable care to prevent psychological injury – satisfactory procedures in place to identify officers at risk of post-traumatic stress – whether the New South Wales Police breached its duty of care to the police officer by failing to implement the system for detecting and addressing psychological injury – whether failure to act on recommendations by a Police Medical Officer and Police Psychologist constituted a breach of duty – whether the New South Wales Police were entitled to assume that the appellant’s psychological problems had resolved on her return to work. CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE – whether appellant’s own conduct contributed to her psychological injury – whether her conduct was the product of the breach of duty. Queensland 4 February 2019 - Inquest into the death of Stella HAMILTON - Aged Care, palliative care, euthanasia, dementia, suffocation, CCTV, privacy, consent, public interest intervenor, cause of death undetermined. Victoria 24 January 2019 - Finding into death of Bryan Lindsay Cleeman without Inquest - COR 2015 5014. Policies and guidelines 6 February 2019 - Time critical defined transfer guidelines - Demand for critical care services is frequently high and there may be periods when demand for critical care beds exceeds the immediate supply, leading to no ICU bed being immediately available for a critically ill patient requiring timely and appropriate investigations, interventions or ICU care. In these instances, to safeguard patient care, ARV is authorised to nominate a hospital to receive the patient. This is called a 'defined transfer' and reflects the time critical need for appropriate care for a critically ill patient. These guidelines briefly outline the assessment and transfer procedures for 'defined transfers'. 6 February 2019 - VADC Data Specification - version 2018.02.03.05 - The purpose of the Victorian Alcohol and other Drug Collection (VADC) Data Specification is to provide a common set of concepts, data elements and edit/validation rules which define the basis of data collection and reporting requirements to the Department. Effective from 30 November, any future changes to the VADC 2018-19 data specification will not be included in the VADC specification manual but will be published in the Bulletins also found here. 5 February 2019 - Specifications for revisions to the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Collection (VADC) for 1 July 2019. Western Australia 7 February 2019 - CAPOLINGUA -v- NATIONWIDE NEWS PTY LTD [No 2] [2019] WASC 23 - Practice and procedure - Discovery - Prohibited disclosure of certain information - Application for declaration. LEGISLATION As a general rule, this bulletin tracks subsidiary legislation at Commonwealth, but not at state level Victoria 5 February 2019 - Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Amendment Bill 2018 - Passed Assembly. REPORTS Australia. Department of Health Consultations 1 February 2019 - Managing Prudential Risk in Residential Aged Care - The 2018 Budget included an announcement that the Government would move to strengthen the prudential standards in aged care to improve the financial management of providers and limit risk of provider failures. This would provide better protection to residents and further limit risks of triggers of the Bond Guarantee Scheme. This followed from recommendations in an Ernst and Young (EY) Review that proposed to make various changes to

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strengthen the prudential standards, which were supported in principle by the Tune Review. In its examination of these Standards, EY identified gaps that may translate as larger risks to the protections of RADs. In broad terms, EY recommend increased transparency in approved provider reporting, enhanced disclosures and improved governance including financial risk management. Since the release of the EY report, the Department has continued to consider the proposed options and has consulted with both peak organisations and technical experts. As a result, some alternative approaches to EY’s options and some new options for achieving the measure’s aims have also been developed. This call for submissions seeks to gather the sector’s views on the options for better managing prudential risk in residential care. Those views will be a key input for Government’s consideration, as will achieving an appropriate balance between effective protections for consumers and unnecessary administrative burden.Closes 15 Mar 2019. Media releases 6 February 2019 - $10 million for research into precision medicines - The Australian Government is investing $10 million in research that will help use a person’s DNA and their environment to help create personalised medicine for a multitude of medical conditions including obesity, autism, and type 2 diabetes. 5 February 2019 - $61 Million Boost for Drug Treatment - As the problem of ice use continues to be a problem for communities across Australia, the Liberal-Nationals government is investing $61 million to ensure those who need help have access to treatment. 5 February 2019 - $70 million a year to better support people with severe symptoms of dementia - Some of the most vulnerable Australians who live with dementia will benefit from a world-first national network of specialist care units, thanks to an annual $70 million investment from the Australian Government. 4 February 2019 - $375 million for 50 MRI licences - The Australian Government will expand its MRI program to 50 new MRI licences, giving patients from all around Australia access to life saving scans. 4 February 2019 - $54.5 million for type 1 diabetes research - The Australian Government will provide $54.5 million for research that will give new hope and support to the more than 120,000 Australian children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. 2 February 2019 - $1.8 Million to Get More Older Australians on the Path to an Active Lifestyle with Parkrun Australia - Parkrun Australia will receive a Better Ageing grant of more than $1.8 million from the Australian Government to encourage more older Australians to live active lives. Australia. Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the boards 9 February 2019 - Accreditation arrangements for the podiatry profession - Following a scheduled review of accreditation arrangements that was undertaken across all National Boards, the Podiatry Board of Australia (Board) decided in July 2018 that the accreditation functions for the podiatry profession will be exercised by an independent accreditation committee established by the Board for a five-year period from 1 July 2019. 9 February 2019 - Call for applications - Call for applications for appointment to the Podiatry Accreditation Committee. 9 February 2019 - Communiqué from the Board - The Podiatry Board of Australia releases its latest communiqué. 5 February 2019 - Bridging programs for internationally qualified nurses - The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) today provided an update on bridging programs for internationally qualified nurses. 2 February 2019 - New competency standards for occupational therapists are in effect - The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice. 1 February 2019 - Call for applications - The Board is calling for applications for appointment to the Registration and Notifications Committee and Policy, Planning and Communications Committee.

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Australia. Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS) 5 February 2019 - Biosimilar Uptake Drivers - Information about Government initiatives to encourage the use of biosimilars is available on the PBS website. 1 February 2019 - Public Consultation – Draft Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) for Listing Medicines on the PBS and Designated Vaccines on the NIP - The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides timely, reliable and affordable access to necessary medicines for Australians. The National Immunisation Program aims to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and protect individuals and the Australian community. Cost Recovery involves the Australian Government charging the non-government sector some or all of the efficient costs of a specific government activity. That activity may include the provision of goods, services or regulation, or a combination of them. 1 February 2019 - PBS Growth Hormone Program (Paediatric Use) 1 February 2019 Listing Changes - Changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) restrictions for growth hormone (GH) treatment (paediatric use), which set out the eligibility requirements for PBS subsidy, are being introduced on 1 February 2019. These changes broaden the eligibility criteria for access to PBS-subsidised GH for paediatric patients in specific clinical circumstances. They relate to height percentile and growth velocity eligibility thresholds, growth velocity measurement intervals and associated growth data requirements. Specification of relevant criteria within the PBS restrictions has also been streamlined. 1 February 2019 - PBS Website Update - 1 February 2019 - The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits was updated on 1 February 2019 and the Summary of Changes can be found on the New, Amended and Deleted Items page. Australia. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 8 February 2019 - Advertising: Questions and answers on the Advertising Code - The list of common questions about the Therapeutic Godds Advertising Code has been updated. 7 February 2019 - TGA-Industry Working Group on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) (TIWGG) - 2019 TIWGG meeting dates updated. 7 February 2019 - Publication of interim decisions amending, or not amending, the current Poisons Standard, February 2019 - Interim decisions and invitation for further comment. Closing date: 7 March 2019. 7 February 2019 - Uniform recall procedure for therapeutic goods (URPTG) - New version of the URPTG is now available. 7 February 2019 - Consultation: Reforms to the generic medicine market authorisation process - The TGA is seeking comments from interested parties on the proposed generic medicines reforms. Closing date: 21 March 2019. 6 February 2019 - Releasing medicines manufactured at multiple sites - Guidance for sponsors or manufacturers of a medicine across multiple sites. 6 February 2019 - Release for supply of medicines - Release for supply guidance has been restructured and updated to be consistent with PE009-13. 6 February 2019 - Infections associated with heater-cooler devices - Statement on the post-market review of heater-coolers has been updated. 5 February 2019 - Database of section 19A approvals to import and supply medicines to address medicine shortages - Section 19A database has been updated to include new approvals. 5 February 2019 - Cost recovery implementation statement - An update of Cost Recovery Implementation Statement for the financial year 2018-19 is now available. 4 February 2019 - Advertising: Education, training and events - The list of TGA presentations on the new Advertising Code has been updated. 1 February 2019 - Evidence guidelines - Updated guidelines on the evidence required to support indications for listed complementary medicines.

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Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Publications 31 January 2019 - The Third Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation 2018. 31 January 2019 - Australian Sentinel Events List - Version 2. 4 February 2019 - On the Radar – – Issue 404 (Word 306KB) (PDF 470KB). Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Health Directorate 6 February 2019 - A new vision for mental health and wellbeing in the ACT - The Coordinator-General for the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing Dr Elizbeth Moore said we want to hear from the community about their priorities for improving mental health and wellbeing. 'The ACT Government is committed to providing a more integrated approach to mental health services that works with the community as a whole,' Dr Moore said. 'As part of this commitment, the Office is developing a new vision for mental health and wellbeing and we need the community’s help to better understand what people see as the priorities in this important area of our health care system.' 1 February 2019 - ACT Government releases interim report into workplace culture in public health services - The ACT Government has today released the interim report from the Independent Review into the Workplace Culture within ACT Public Health Services. The interim report outlines a number of recommendations, with a final report due by 30 March 2019. The ACT Government has agreed to all of the recommendations in principle, noting that this is an interim report. New South Wales (NSW). Ministry of Health Media Releases 8 February 2019 - Flu hitches a ride home to NSW with travellers - From today, victims of forensic patients will have a greater opportunity to be heard in Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) proceedings following the commencement of new laws which allow submissions to be made outlining the impact a forensic patient’s leave or release would have on a victim. 7 February 2019 - Report into Dr Gayed released - NSW Health has today released the report of the independent review conducted by Ms Gail Furness SC into the appointments and management of complaints by local health districts about Dr Emil Gayed. Deputy Secretary of NSW Health, Dr Nigel Lyons, paid tribute to those who came forward before and during the review. 'We would like to thank the brave patients and staff members who contributed to the inquiry. They assisted greatly in identifying the systems failure in the administration of Dr Gayed’s appointments and management, which affected the care he provided,' he said. 1 February 2019 - All roads lead to new $300m Rouse Hill Hospital - Thousands of residents across north-west Sydney are closer to having world class health services on their doorstep with the site for the Rouse Hill Hospital announced today. Minister for Health , Riverstone MP, , Castle Hill MP, Ray Williams, Baulkham Hills MP, David Elliott and Liberal candidate for Hawkesbury, were all on site at 768 Windsor Road, Rouse Hill to inspect the site. 4 February 2019 - Victims to have their say In forensic mental health cases - From today, victims of forensic patients will have a greater opportunity to be heard in Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) proceedings following the commencement of new laws which allow submissions to be made outlining the impact a forensic patient’s leave or release would have on a victim. Attorney General and Minister for Mental Health said the new laws will enable victims to have their say in MHRT hearings for people who are detained after being found unfit to be tried, or not guilty of a crime by reason of mental illness. 3 February 2019 - Major statewide boost to eating disorder care - People living with an eating disorder will have more support and better access to services thanks to a $9.6 million funding boost announced today by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government. Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said existing funding will be more than doubled, to $16.8 million over the next four years, to grow the service coordination work of The InsideOut Institute and expand frontline Eating Disorder Coordinators positions.

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Information Bulletins and Policy Directives 7 February 2019 - NSW Health Guide to Managing HIV Information - Document number: IB2019_004. 7 February 2019 - The First 2000 Days Framework - Document number: PD2019_008. 31 January 2019 - Employment and Management of Locum Medical Officers by NSW Public Health Organisations - Document number: PD2019_006. 31 January 2019 - Public Health Emergency Response Preparedness Minimum Standards - Document number: PD2019_007. 30 January 2019 - 30 January 2019 Document number: PD2019_005. Publications 8 February 2019 - Influenza Surveillance Report. 7 February 2019 - Reducing alcohol- related harm snapshot-2018. 1 February 2019 - Communicable Diseases Weekly Report (CDWR). 1 February 2019 - Surveillance and monitoring weekly reports season 2018-19. 18 January 2019 - Mental Health Safety and Quality in NSW: Implementation Update October 2018. 15 January 2019 - Measles triage tool for emergency departments. 14 January 2019 - Sexually transmitted infections surveillance reports. Northern Territory 7 February 2019 - Safer Communities: More PALIs to fight alcohol-fuelled crime - The Territory Labor Government is creating safer communities by employing 75 Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALIs) to stop problem drinkers getting access to alcohol. Queensland (QLD). Department of Health 7 February 2019 - 6 weird things that may happen to your body during pregnancy - Morning sickness, extreme tiredness and stretch marks are more widely known discomforts and signs of pregnancy, but there are also some lesser known symptoms and conditions that can occur in pregnancy that you might not know about. 4 January 2019 - True or false? 10 common sunscreen and skin cancer facts and fictions - Keeping up to date with the latest research on sun safety is crucial, so we’ve pulled together a few common facts and misconceptions about skin cancer and how it impacts you and your family. 3 February 2019 - Landmark deal makes QLD a global leader in health education - The future leaders of China’s rapidly-growing $1 trillion healthcare system will receive advanced training by QLD experts under a landmark deal announced by the Palaszczuk Government today. South Australia (SA). Department for Health and Wellbeing 6 February 2019 - Extra funding for McLaren Vale Hospital World-first Meningococcal B program for teens - The Marshall Liberal Government has delivered on its commitment to invest $500,000 in the McLaren Vale District War Memorial Hospital. State funding previously slated for a new solar panel system will now be put in the hands of local hospital management after a community grant from AGL Energy was provided for the solar panels. 1 February 2019 - World-first Meningococcal B program for teens - In a world-first, adolescents and young adults in SA will be able to receive free vaccinations against the potentially deadly meningococcal B disease from today, as part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s Meningococcal B Immunisation Program. Premier Steven Marshall said that, after babies and young children, adolescents aged 15 to 20 were the next highest group at-risk from this insidious disease. 31 January 2018 Funding to promote healthy regional communities The Marshall Liberal Government is encouraging rural and regional communities from across the state to apply for a share of $1 million to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities. The second round of the SA Healthy Towns

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Challenge launches today, and the Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said grants of up to $50,000 each are on offer to regional towns to develop preventative health programs within their community. Tasmania. Department of Health & Human Services 7 February 2019 - Healthy Tasmania: Government joining forces with Hawthorn - The Hodgman Liberal Government and the Hawthorn Football Club have agreed to promote our Healthy Tasmania initiative by partnering with a focus on keeping even more Tasmanians healthy and well. We’re excited to launch this Memorandum of Understanding with Hawthorn, which tailors the club’s existing educational programs in schools to better line up with our Healthy Tasmania plan. This is another example of how Healthy Tasmania is working through securing effective partnerships across the community to work with Government to support programs and campaigns that encourage Tasmanians to make healthy lifestyle choices. 7 February 2019 - Labor again championing disruption to health services for Tasmanians - Again today, Labor’s Sarah Lovell is actively supporting the cancellation of important surgeries as part of ongoing industrial action by the Australian Nurses and Midwifery Union. Why is Labor so keen to champion the cancellation of surgeries as part of industrial action which will affect Tasmanians in need of care? The Government has been negotiating in good faith with unions, including the ANMF, for months. 7 February 2019 - ANMF industrial action hurting patients again - It is disappointing that the ANMF is planning industrial action in hospitals today, and I encourage them to reconsider. We are negotiating in good faith with unions, and would hope the ANMF would do the same. While negotiations are underway, we would expect industrial action to cease, particularly action that directly impacts on patients and the delivery of essential services to Tasmanians. It would be very disappointing if patients miss out on treatment due to industrial action and it’s incumbent on the ANMF to ensure that this doesn’t occur. Victoria. Department of Health 5 February 2019 - Celebrating Victoria’s Health Volunteers - The Andrews Labor Government is urging Victorians to honour the hard-working and dedicated health volunteers who enrich patients’ lives through their compassion and generosity. 2 February 2019 - Labor Government Delivers On Paramedic Pledge - The Andrews Labor Government has delivered on its promise to recruit 450 new paramedics to boost care and save lives across Victoria. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos this week met 20 new paramedic graduates, who have completed their university degree and will begin operational shifts from the beginning of March. Western Australia. Department of Health 6 February 2019 - Minister for Health: Plastic surgery now available at Rockingham General Hospital - Patients in the Rockingham-Peel region are set to benefit from a new plastic surgery service which has been established at Rockingham General Hospital. 5 February 2019 - Measles advisory Raine Square and Manila to Perth flight - Western Australians are being asked to be alert to the risk of measles following a confirmed case in a person who returned to Perth on 29 January 2019 from the Philippines on a Singapore Airlines flight. 1 February 2019 - Measles advisory for Perth Metropolitan Area - Western Australians are being asked to be alert to the risk of measles following a confirmed measles illness in a person who travelled on public transport and visited multiple venues in the Perth metropolitan area earlier this week. Australian Medical Association (AuMA) 7 February 2019 - Nurse practitioner proposals must be rejected - The AuMA has called on the Government to immediately reject draft proposals that would expand the ability of nurse practitioners to provide Medicare funded services and remove the current requirement for them to collaborate with doctors in delivering care for patients. AuMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that the changes proposed this week by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Nurse Practitioner Reference Group will fragment care, increase costs, and lead to poorer health outcomes for patients.

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6 February 2019 - AuMA disappointed with mandatory reporting recommendations - The AuMA is disappointed with the majority recommendation of a State Parliamentary Committee to pass without any further changes proposed mandatory reporting laws for doctors treating other medical professionals for mental health issues. 'While the Committee believes that the changes go in the right direction, it is frustrating that lawmakers continue to ignore the overwhelming advice of doctors and medical bodies about this issue,' AuMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said today. 'We have already lost too many talented, brilliant, and dedicated colleagues who felt they could not seek help because they would be reported.' 7 February 2019 - General Practice highlighted in latest Productivity Commission report - AuMA President Dr Tony Bartone has welcomed the release of the 2019 Productivity Commission Report on Government Services, which shows that GPs are providing high-quality, cost-effective care for their patients. The report revealed that almost 37,000 GPs provided around 160.3 million services in 2017-18, and that patients were extremely satisfied with over 90 per cent of patients reporting that their GP listened closely to them, showed them respect, and spent enough time with them. 7 February 2019 - AuMA calls for nurse practitioner proposals to be rejected - The AuMA is calling on the Government to reject the proposed changes to the role of nurse practitioners announced this week by the MBS Review Nurse Practitioner Reference Group. The changes will fragment care, increase costs, and lead to poorer health outcomes for patients. AuMA President Dr Tony Bartone explained that expanding the ability of nurse practitioners to provide Medicare funded services and removing the current requirement for them to collaborate with doctors in delivering care for patients poses risks to patient safety and the structure of Australia’s world-class primary health system. 7 February 2019 - AuMA submission on Shared debt recovery scheme - The AuMA has made a submission to the Department of Health’s Shared Debt Recovery Scheme, welcoming a fairer approach to the recovery of Medicare debts incurred as result of incorrect billing. The Scheme will address organisational billing of Medicare services and is part of legislation introduced in the 2017-18 Federal Budget intended to improve Medicare compliance. It is expected to take effect on 1 July 2019. 7 February 2019 - doctorportal Learning launches new website doctorportal Learning has launched a new website - Providing you with 24/7 accessibility to high quality, peer-reviewed and evidence-based online learning that helps you remain competitive. The new website has extensive personalised features making it easier to navigate, new catalogue search functionality, and more than 100 learning modules to choose from that keep you up to date. 7 February 2019 - Guidelines on allergy prevention and FPIES in the latest issue of the MJA - The second MJA issue for 2019 is out now and features a range of articles of interest to GPs. Among the research papers and letters this month are a summary of guidelines for infant feeding for allergy prevention, and a guidelines summary and practice recommendations for food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy have provided a summary of the guidelines for infant feeding and early onset allergy prevention. Originally published in 2016, the article describes recent changes to recommendations. 7 February 2019 - HPV vaccine communication campaign - AuMA members are advised of an upcoming communication campaign from the Department of Health to coincide with the commencement of the 2019 school year. The communication activities aim to support uptake of the HPV vaccine in school- based immunisation programs. 31 January 2019 - General Practice focus in AuMA Pre-budget submission - AuMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, has placed general practice at the centre of the AuMA’s pre-budget submission. 'The key to successful long-term health reform is to properly fund and invest in primary care, especially general practice,' Dr Bartone said. 31 January 2019 - AuMA GPs among Australia Day honours - The GP Network News team congratulates all AuMA members who were recognised in the 2019 Australia Day Honours list. 7 February 2019 - AuMA career services available to members - The new year is an ideal time to prepare so that you are ready for the new opportunities that will present themselves to you in the months ahead. The AuMA Career Service can assist you in moving forward with your career with support for writing a CV and preparing for interviews. The AuMA Career Service will review and provide feedback on

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CVs to members at no cost. If you are not already a member you can join here. The Career Service also provides personalised assistance and coaching to doctors for interviews at every career stage – students, junior doctors, trainees, consultants and senior health leaders and administrators. ABOUT US Michael Regos Michael is the head of the DLA Piper health litigation group. He practises in the areas of health law, insurance law, medical negligence and coronial enquiries. He represents Victorian public hospitals and their insurers, the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority and is the solicitor of choice for Australia's second-largest private health operator. Michael regularly presents to medical groups and hospitals on medico- legal issues. Contact Details T +61 3 9274 5437 [email protected] MORE INFORMATION Contact your nearest DLA Piper office:

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