Subjects:

Other Jurisdictions , Australia

Health Care and the Law, 4th ed builds upon the highly regarded reputation of the previous editions by Meg Wallace. This book explains the legal process as it relates to the health care professional. This edition has been extensively rewritten, reflecting the large number of changes to the law that have occurred since publication of the third edition. These changes include:-

• the Review of the Law of Negligence and the consequent civil liability legislation;
• the Commonwealth, State and Territory privacy regimes;
• further development of case law on end-of-life decision-making; and
• the Australian Government Work Choices legislation.

The book is structured around five main parts. Each part includes summarised case law, procedural checklists, guidelines and mind maps to enhance the readers’ knowledge of the subject matter under consideration.

• Part 1 outlines general legal theory.
• Part 2 discusses patient relationships, including negligence, access to patient information and consent to care.
• Part 3 reviews employment contracts, registration and injuries in the workplace.
• Part 4 outlines the regulatory requirements for health care professionals, including the reporting of State requirements, drug control and coronial enquiries.
• Part 5 discusses ethics and current legal issues including human tissue transplants, reproductive technology and the expanding recognition of human rights.