Essentials of Law for Medical Practitioners

The definitive medico-legal reference for medical students and practitioners in Australia

Essentials of Law for Medical Practitioners is a timely and authoritative reference focused on the requirements of medical students and practitioners.

This easy-to-read medico-legal text assumes no prior legal practice knowledge or experience, making it ideal for those new to the medical industry.

The content addresses matters relating to all Australian jurisdictions. It also provides a brief overview of the law in several practice areas, allowing practitioners to locate key information quickly.

Topical issues discussed in Essentials of Law for Medical Practitioners include privacy and confidentiality of patient information, medical negligence, fertility and reproductive technology, the laws regarding mental health issues and professional regulation and discipline.

• directed at current medical education
• includes learning objectives and key questions for each chapter
• applies knowledge to a clinical context and focuses on the application of clinical cases and legislation to practical situations
• assumes no prior legal knowledge
• identifies medico-legal issues for further discussion

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments and Reviewers

Chapter 1 Introduction to law

Chapter 2 Safety and quality in health

Chapter 3 Documentation

Chapter 4 Privacy and confidentiality of patient information

Chapter 5 Negligence

Chapter 6 Consent

Chapter 7 End of life decisions

Chapter 8 Fertility and reproductive technology

Chapter 9 Drugs and poisons

Chapter 10 Mental health

Chapter 11 Professional regulation and discipline

Chapter 12 Research

Answers to review scenarios and activities

Appendices:

Table of cases

Table of statutes

Guardianship and administration

Glossary

Index