Medico-legal
Improving quality, safety and professionalism in practice. Everything you need to help you with clinical and legal challenges.
Search Results
30 July 2025
Patient follow-up and recalls
Doctors are often unsure how far they need to go in following up patients for return appointments, review of test results and specialist referrals.
28 July 2025
Prescribing drugs of dependence
‘Drugs of dependence’ refers to a group of drugs with properties that make them addictive and create a high potential for misuse. Broadly, drugs of dependence include opioids, sedatives, steroids and stimulants. Most are classed under Schedule 8 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (Poisons Standard) and often referred to as S8s, or controlled medicines. When prescribed and used appropriately they can help to meet a patient’s therapeutic needs. However, these medicines present unique challenges for doctors and patients.
28 July 2025
Medicare FAQs
Not sure what to do when you are contacted by Medicare or the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing? Our medico-legal experts have created a guide for doctors and practices which includes FAQs and a suite of resources.
09 July 2025
Mandatory reporting: still a barrier to treatment for mental health
Despite changes to mandatory reporting obligations in 2018, many Australian doctors remain hesitant to seek treatment for mental health concerns, fearing they might be reported to the regulator. Dispelling this perception is vital to ensure doctors seek treatment when they need it.
29 June 2025
Historic case that set the standard for informed consent in Australia
This landmark Australian case clarified that doctors must inform patients about any material risks relevant to them.
02 June 2025
AI scribes: rapid uptake in 6 months
02 June 2025
ChatGPT for clinical notes: why not?
21 May 2025
Navigating requests for medical records
What do you do when a patient asks for their full medical record? This article explains patients' rights, when access can be refused, what fees can be charged, and how to manage patient requests — helping your team respond with confidence.