Subjects 2009
Law for Health Care Professionals 732721
- Credited Courses: Graduate Diploma in Health and Medical Law 343; Graduate Diploma in Health and Medical Law 343; Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies L08; Master of Health and Medical Law 507; Master of Health and Medical Law 507; Master of Laws (LLM) 502; Master of Laws (LLM) 502
Objectives
A student who has successfully completed this subject should:
- Be able to think about, discuss and reflect on the professional obligations of a health care practitioner
- Understand how principles of civil liability apply to the practice of health care
- Understand how principles of criminal liability apply to the practice of health care
- Be able to reflect upon how the practice environment may impact upon the liability of a health care provider
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the connection between the legal obligations and ethical responsibilities of a health practitioner
- Apply knowledge of a health care practitioner’s legal obligations to ensure better patient/client outcomes.
Syllabus
Principal topics will include:
- Structure of the health care profession
- Professional regulation: Admission to practice
- Professional regulation: Conduct
- Civil liability:
- Negligence
- Legislation
- Fiduciary duties of the health care practitioner
- Criminal liability
- Liability and professional indemnity insurance
- Dealing with complaints
- Identifying high-risk practice areas
- Liability and practice: Private practitioners, employees and health care organisations
- Identifying whether the law that applies to health care professionals may need reform.
