‘Unexplained pharmaceuticals’ found in complementary and alternative medicines Nearly half of the 135 complementary and alternative medicines tested by researchers had contaminants, including animal DNA and potential allergens.
Voluntary assisted dying: The current state of affairs A proposed bill has been backed by WA’s lower house, bringing it one step closer to legalisation. What about the rest of the country?
New voluntary aged care standards designed for a ‘very complex sector’ The RACGP document will be the first of its kind and focus on how RACFs can support and improve standards of primary healthcare delivery.
Overdose figures prompt calls to reduce paracetamol pack size Annual poisoning cases in Australia related to the over-the-counter painkillers increased by nearly 45% over 10 years.
Report the ‘first step’ towards nationwide primary care data asset The massive data collection program should improve patient outcomes while potentially raising the profile and political leverage of general practice.
Pharmacy Guild scope-of-practice push continues The calls, found in a submission to the National Rural Health Commissioner, include the ability to prescribe medicines and administer more vaccines.
Unsafe air pollution standards up for review The RACGP has joined calls to reduce the amount of toxic pollution allowed in the air, at the same time as new research strengthens its link with increased death rates.
Medicare confirms validity of electronic referrals A six-month push for information has provided clarity on the previously murky area of Medicare rebates derived from electronic referrals.
Restraints in aged care a last resort: RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon advised a Parliamentary Committee to not use ‘prescriptive’ legislation to limit restraints in RACFs.
Opioid pack changes ‘long overdue’, but more reform needed From 2020, opioid packages will be smaller and feature improved labels with clearer warnings and consumer information.