The Checkup

Episode 29: Medicinal Cannabis & the Law – Navigating AHPRA’s new rules

The regulatory landscape surrounding medicinal cannabis in Australia is evolving rapidly, with significant implications for healthcare professionals, legal practitioners, and insurers alike. Staying informed is essential to ensure compliance with new standards and to support safe, ethical prescribing practices. In this episode of The Checkup, BN’s Lee Lenkinski [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbnlaw.com.au%2Four-team%2Flee-lenkinski%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cb.montgomery%40bnlaw.com.au%7C7d3d5d29d4744bc5a2d208ddea017aaf%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638924014267428364%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ftnr1TCN%2Bc3kC5%2BQOoEG02FnxGNbiURwkQJpag8OdsI%3D&reserved=0] and Joshua Scott revisit the topic of medicinal cannabis in light of new guidelines from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) released in July 2025. They explore the regulatory changes since their previous episode [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbnlaw.com.au%2Fknowledge-hub%2Fpodcasts%2Fepisode-27-medicinal-cannabis-and-the-law%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cb.montgomery%40bnlaw.com.au%7C7d3d5d29d4744bc5a2d208ddea017aaf%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638924014267446046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0ohaQGg8sGv%2BwaAHcNbOoGu%2FLBrVMl48BgMucbc4T20%3D&reserved=0], the rationale behind them, and what these developments mean for clinicians and the broader health sector. Together, they unpack the key obligations now expected of prescribers, including comprehensive patient assessments, evidence-based prescribing, and the importance of informed consent, particularly when dealing with unapproved products. They also highlight the risks of poor practice, the parallels with opioid prescribing, and the Australian Medical Association’s support for tighter regulation through the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) current consultation process. Key questions considered in this episode include: * What are AHPRA’s new expectations for prescribing medicinal cannabis? * How can practitioners ensure they are prescribing safely and legally? * What are the clinical and legal risks of poor prescribing practices? * What role does the TGA’s consultation play in shaping future regulation? This episode offers practical guidance for healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of medicinal cannabis prescribing, helping them align with current regulatory expectations and uphold their duty of care. This episode of The Checkup was edited by Audio Advantage. Further reading and references: * Danielle Dawson, Daniel Stjepanović, Valentina Lorenzetti, Christy Cheung, Wayne Hall, Janni Leung (2024): The prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analysis [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871624001844?via%3Dihub]. * Janni Leung, Gary C.K. Chan, Leanne Hides, Wayne D. Hall (2020): What is the prevalence and risk of cannabis use disorders among people who use cannabis? a systematic review and meta-analysis. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460320306092?via%3Dihub] * Dawson, D., Stjepanovic, D., Lorenzetti, V., Cheung, C., Hall, W. and Leung, J. (2024): The prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871624001844?via%3Dihub] * C.M. Brummett, J.F. Waljee, J. Goesling, et al. (2017): New Persistent Opioid Use After Minor and Major Surgical Procedures in US Adults | Pain Medicine | JAMA Surgery | JAMA Network. [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2618383] * EMCDDA explores new dynamics and dimensions of Europe’s drugs problem | www.euda.europa.eu [https://www.euda.europa.eu/news/2015/4/new-dynamics-of-europes-drugs-problem_en] * UNODC (2017): Responses to Annual Report Questionnaire. United Nations: Office for Drugs and Crime [https://www.unodc.org/wdr2017/field/Booklet_1_EXSUM.pdf].  * Budney AJ, Hughes JR, Moore BA, et al. (2004): Review of the Validity and Significance of Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome | American Journal of Psychiatry. [https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.161.11.1967] * Allsop DJ, Norberg MM, Copeland J, et al. (2011): The Cannabis Withdrawal Scale development: Patterns and predictors of cannabis withdrawal and distress [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871611002663?via%3Dihub]. * Deepak Cyril D’Souza, Jose A. Cortes-Briones, Mohini Ranganathan, Halle Thurnauer, Gina Creatura, Toral Surti, Beata Planeta, Alexander Neumeister, Brian Pittman, Marc D. Normandin, Michael Kapinos, Jim Ropchan, Yiyun Huang, Richard E. Carson, Patrick D. Skosnik (2016): Rapid Changes in Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Availability in Cannabis-Dependent Male Subjects After Abstinence From Cannabis. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451902215000099?via%3Dihub] Clarifications: * [17:44] – 'EMCDDA' referenced as 'EMCCDA'. * [18:50] - Prominent symptoms referenced in Allsop DJ, Norberg MM, Copeland J, et al. (2011).

Episode 28: Voluntary Assisted Dying – The evolving landscape in Australia

Content warning: this episode of The Checkup discusses highly sensitive topics, including death and suicide. If you find this episode triggering, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. The evolving landscape of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) presents significant ethical and legal challenges for healthcare professionals in Australia. Understanding these complexities is crucial for ensuring compliance with current legislation while providing compassionate and effective care. In this episode of The Checkup, BN’s Samantha Pillay [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbnlaw.com.au%2Four-team%2Fsamantha-pillay%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055538882%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=q4f3Ku4K4T1fRwd2UqM7WMporQh4bPt5AjdD1Iy%2FYLk%3D&reserved=0] and Demi Peters [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbnlaw.com.au%2Four-team%2Fdemi-peters%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055554181%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FbzGuNWZziPNiaf4lV4UeQ%2BONZ4tDsLuExtVz1XuRNU%3D&reserved=0] delve into the complex world of VAD with returning guest, Dr Ruthie Jeanneret, a lecturer at The University of Queensland, School of Medicine and TC Beirne School of Law. Ruthie completed her PhD thesis at QUT’s Australian Centre for Health Law Research, which investigated patients' and family caregivers' perspectives and experiences of VAD regulation in Australia and Canada. She has been involved in writing the VAD mandatory training for participating practitioners in Queensland, Western Australia, and Victoria. Together, they discuss the evolving regulatory framework, ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers, and practical implications of VAD in clinical practice. Key questions considered in this episode include: * What are the current legal requirements for VAD? * How can healthcare professionals navigate the ethical tensions surrounding VAD? * What are the challenges and opportunities in the evolving VAD landscape? This episode provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals grappling with the complexities of VAD, helping them uphold their legal and ethical responsibilities in this sensitive area of practice. This episode of The Checkup was edited by Audio Advantage. Further reading and references:   * The Checkup – Voluntary assisted dying: Implementation, consequences, and obligations of the new laws on healthcare practitioners: Episode 24 [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbncheckup.podbean.com%2Fe%2Fepisode-24-voluntary-assisted-dying-implementation-consequences-and-obligations-of-the-new-laws-on-healthcare-practitioners%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055567349%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CyJ52a7zCKJpFXL3OdHQmeZqENPPomVZXfWutm%2BCafg%3D&reserved=0] * How patients and caregivers influence voluntary assisted dying systems: QUT Research Paper [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fresearch.qut.edu.au%2Fvoluntary-assisted-dying-regulation%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F292%2F2024%2F09%2FVD3944-QUT_Research-Paper_A4_Actions-of-assisted-dying_FINAL.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055579691%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YRuFvSBJDn%2BLJAHfJvxbYzolAqdUp09%2BCDNH2Tyq%2B60%3D&reserved=0] * Calls to ensure voluntary assisted dying access for rural and regional Australians after Federal Court ruling: ABC News [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc.net.au%2Fnews%2F2023-12-01%2Ftelehealth-voluntary-assisted-dying-access-rural-regional%2F103176854&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055591782%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3RbZUxo5RzJQ2dv0%2B5QtGN%2B5uzZpsJB9e%2B3sttv7r0c%3D&reserved=0] * Criminal Code Amendment (Telecommunications Offences for Suicide Related Material—Exception for Lawful Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2024: Parliament of Australia [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aph.gov.au%2FParliamentary_Business%2FBills_Legislation%2FBills_Search_Results%2FResult%3FbId%3Dr7146&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055604036%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=E84X7hgeU549OGdX82e1Fs4XiZx1OwVnN3e7w9QBic0%3D&reserved=0] * Access to voluntary assisted dying in Victoria: a qualitative study of family caregivers’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators: Medical Journal of Australia [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fonlinelibrary.wiley.com%2Fdoi%2Fepdf%2F10.5694%2Fmja2.52004&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055615966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VofjEEYfn%2BvAOH4mkbzrN4fZPPSISpk%2FqJqdOXc%2FUpc%3D&reserved=0] * Attorney-General must act on telehealth and voluntary assisted dying: AMA [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ama.com.au%2Fmedia%2Fattorney-general-must-act-telehealth-and-voluntary-assisted-dying&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055627858%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7OfoqzPSEJJroOfcDwiV3Eb7n%2FYxViovj%2FOXrdfrTew%3D&reserved=0] * State of VAD 2024: Go Gentle Australia [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nationbuilder.com%2Fgogentleaustralia%2Fpages%2F3038%2Fattachments%2Foriginal%2F1723682650%2FGGA_StateOfVAD_Report_2024_DIGITAL_Aug24.pdf%3F1723682650&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055639942%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=boQaSddPO4iGru4nnvsw%2Bi1DhGQ68nTBwUBOw2Q9skk%3D&reserved=0] * Voluntary assisted dying five-year review: Victoria Department of Health [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.vic.gov.au%2Fvoluntary-assisted-dying%2Ffive-year-review&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055651721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bmpPfApMUbdicYYmQKrufDy%2BRxYYwFHICENWbgTH39o%3D&reserved=0] * Access to voluntary assisted dying in Australia requires fair remuneration for medical practitioners: Medical Journal of Australia [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mja.com.au%2Fjournal%2F2023%2F218%2F1%2Faccess-voluntary-assisted-dying-australia-requires-fair-remuneration-medical%23%3A~%3Atext%3DMedical%2520practitioners%2520perceive%2520that%2520their%2Cclaim%2520in%2520relation%2520to%2520them&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055663318%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=k7MnCjevaQB1ArbysmPhATPf25NOVcqBe3aW4APtBao%3D&reserved=0] * Introducing Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada: Lessons on Pragmatic Ethics and the Implementation of a Morally Contested Practice: HEC Forum [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10730-022-09495-7&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055674873%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WpFCqrWRYNq%2FpX4vMkUtQ882oxNlA4o3%2BXkb8rKHT34%3D&reserved=0] * Barriers to connecting with the voluntary assisted dying system in Victoria, Australia: A qualitative mixed method study: Health Expectations [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fonlinelibrary.wiley.com%2Fdoi%2Ffull%2F10.1111%2Fhex.13867&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055686379%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7zCTCd%2F6j1OmYjIGYZKY2JaXJEAkkltk0hUQxOAUxxU%3D&reserved=0] * Victoria scraps ‘gag clause’ banning doctors from raising voluntary assisted dying with patients: The Guardian [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Faustralia-news%2F2025%2Ffeb%2F20%2Fvictoria-scraps-gag-clause-banning-doctors-from-raising-voluntary-assisted-dying-with-patients&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055697933%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Mq7yPRvoz8mTUK4zsEY1WxoQ5nRbC2Mvx4yQCvP6mTE%3D&reserved=0] * People with dementia aren’t currently eligible for voluntary assisted dying. Should they be?: The Conversation [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheconversation.com%2Fpeople-with-dementia-arent-currently-eligible-for-voluntary-assisted-dying-should-they-be-224075&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055712063%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9RVN2aAHID28UMQPpoEBghMl9d5Suas7TyJqG71k7KA%3D&reserved=0] * Optimal Regulation of Voluntary Assisted Dying: QUT Research Project [https://research.qut.edu.au/voluntary-assisted-dying-regulation/] * Carr v Attorney General (Cth) [2023] FCA 1500: Judgment [https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjade.io%2Fj%2F%3Fa%3Doutline%26id%3D1055914&data=05%7C02%7CSophia.Nugawela%40bnlaw.com.au%7C0d71e203fe9d41efe18208dd8d20c433%7C0b4999725d8747e9bf7f18502927ec29%7C0%7C0%7C638821894055735956%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vgoIOzTA2uhUa%2Be5qohJpV3DOVoEvWinGZi9YGrzC5s%3D&reserved=0]

Episode 27: Medicinal cannabis and the law

The legalisation of medicinal cannabis has opened new treatment pathways for patients across Australia, but it also presents complex regulatory and legal challenges for healthcare professionals. Navigating these intricacies is essential to ensure compliance with evolving legislation while delivering safe and effective care. In this episode of The Checkup, BN’s Lee Lenkinski [https://bnlaw.com.au/our-team/lee-lenkinski/] and Joshua Scott explore the legal landscape of medicinal cannabis in Australia. They discuss the regulatory framework governing its prescription and supply, the professional responsibilities of healthcare providers, and cases where practitioners have faced scrutiny for non-compliance. Key questions considered in this episode include: * What are the current legal requirements for prescribing medicinal cannabis? * How can healthcare professionals balance patient needs with regulatory obligations? * What are the risks of non-compliance, and how can they be mitigated? This episode provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of medicinal cannabis, helping them uphold their legal and ethical responsibilities in this evolving area of practice. This episode of The Checkup was recorded and edited by Audio Advantage. Further reading and references: * RACGP on non‑compliant clinics: RACGP Article [https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/extent-of-non-compliant-medicinal-cannabis-clinics] * TGA and timely access discussion: Cannabiz TGA Article [https://www.cannabiz.com.au/tga-exploring-patient-safety-but-stresses-importance-of-timely-access-to-medicinal-cannabis/] * The Conversation’s review of 54 websites: The Conversation Article [https://theconversation.com/we-looked-at-54-medicinal-cannabis-websites-to-see-if-they-followed-the-rules-heres-what-we-found-244932?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2014%202025%20-%203225332921&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20January%2014%202025%20-%203225332921+CID_c970bebfab5da75acd60550affc5a108&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=We%20looked%20at%2054%20medicinal%20cannabis%20websites%20to%20see%20if%20they%20followed%20the%20rules%20Heres%20what%20we%20found] * Cannabis Council Australia’s call for education: Cannabiz Education Article [https://www.cannabiz.com.au/cannabis-council-australia-urges-regulator-to-put-education-before-punishment/] * ABC News on medical cannabis spending: ABC News – Spending and Prescriptions [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-28/medical-cannabis-spending-prescriptions-penington-institute/104651782] * ABC News on a medicinal cannabis company investigation: ABC News – Company Investigation [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-11/medicinal-cannabis-company-investigated-by-authorities/104449400] * TGA press releases on fines: Over $600K Fines Issued, [https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/more-600000-fines-issued-alleged-unlawful-medicinal-cannabis-advertising]News Life Media Fined [https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/news-life-media-fined-alleged-unlawful-advertising-medicinal-cannabis]

Episode 26: Healing or harm? The perils of overstepping boundaries in healthcare

Content warning: this episode of The Checkup discusses highly sensitive topics, including sexual assault. If you find this episode triggering, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Healthcare professionals are entrusted with the wellbeing of their patients, a relationship that carries an inherent power imbalance. Maintaining professional boundaries is critical, yet challenging, as overstepping these boundaries can have serious repercussions for both practitioners and patients. In this episode of The Checkup, BN’s Emma Baker [https://bnlaw.com.au/our-team/emma-baker/] and Tyler Lim delve into the complex issue of boundary violations in healthcare. They explore the expectations placed on healthcare professionals to uphold these boundaries and examine recent cases where practitioners have been sanctioned for transgressions, such as inappropriate relationships with patients and inadequate consent during intimate examinations. In this discussion, they consider the professional obligations around maintaining appropriate boundaries, the legal frameworks that guide these expectations, and the implications of boundary violations. Key questions considered in this episode include: * What constitutes a professional boundary violation in healthcare? * How can healthcare professionals navigate the fine line between building rapport and overstepping boundaries? * What are the potential consequences of failing to maintain these boundaries? This episode serves as a vital reminder for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant about their interactions with patients, ensuring they maintain the trust placed in them by adhering to ethical and professional standards. This episode of The Checkup was recorded and edited by Audio Advantage.

Episode 25: Combatting vicarious trauma in the workplace

Content warning: this episode of The Checkup discusses highly sensitive topics, including vicarious trauma and psychological harm. If you find this episode triggering, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. As legal professionals, we might find ourselves navigating emotionally challenging subject matters, graphic material or cases that involve emotionally charged parties. This can, in some instances, lead professionals to encounter 'vicarious trauma,' a phenomenon often experienced in high-stress industries such as law or healthcare at various stages of one's career. In this episode of The Checkup, BN’s Natalie Laidlaw [https://bnlaw.com.au/our-team/natalie-laidlaw] and Ashlee Sherman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesherman1/] talk to Sally Ryan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-ryan-b320b995/] and Carly Schrever [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-schrever-phd-b0034642/]; psychologists and the directors of Human Ethos [https://humanethos.com.au/], about the complexities of vicarious trauma, empathy-based stress, burnout and compassion fatigue in the workplace. Together, they explore how we can recognise the symptoms of stress, both in ourselves and our colleagues, as well as some strategies to effectively manage and prevent vicarious trauma. In their discussion, they consider the following questions: * What is vicarious trauma? * What are some of the risk factors that make people more likely than others to experience vicarious trauma? * What are some signs to look out for in colleagues who are experiencing vicarious trauma? * What is empathy-based stress? * How can compassion fatigue arise? * What is the best approach to dealing with the symptoms of burnout? * How can we assist our colleagues who may be struggling? This episode of The Checkup was recorded by Pughouse Studios [https://www.pughousestudios.com] and edited by Audio Advantage [https://audioadvantage.com.au/].