Medical care & prescribing

The medical care and prescribing standards set out what is expected of doctors when providing services related to the maintenance of health, prevention of illness, and treatment of illness and injury. These standards cover both conventional and unconventional treatments, and also situations where the health of the general public may be affected in addition to the patient's.

  • Doctors and CAM (complementary and alternative medicine)

    Medical care & prescribing

    Last updated 1 November 2017

    Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to therapies and treatments that are not commonly accepted in conventional medical practice, but are sometimes used alongside or instead of conventional medical treatments. This statement guides doctors in situations where their patients are using CAM, and outlines what we expect when doctors practise CAM.

  • A doctor’s duty to help in a medical emergency

    Medical care & prescribing

    Last updated 1 August 2006

    This statement outlines how doctors should respond in an emergency and highlights a number of obligations that apply in that situation.

  • Guidelines for registered health care workers on TMVI

    Medical care & prescribing

    Last updated 1 November 2005

    This statement outlines the rights and responsibilities of health care workers and infected health care workers in relation to transmissible major viral infections.

  • Cosmetic procedures

    Communication & consent

    Last updated 1 November 2017

    This statement outlines Council's expectations of doctors who perform cosmetic procedures. These include standards relating to training, skill and expertise, advertising and obtaining consent from the patient.

  • Safe practice in an environment of resource limitation

    Medical care & prescribing

    Last updated 1 September 2018

    Resource limitation is a reality in health care, and for doctors, this often means prioritising based on clinical need and waiting lists. This statement guides doctors working in a resource-constrained environment by setting out ethical principles and practical advice.

  • Good prescribing practice

    Medical care & prescribing

    Last updated 1 November 2016

    Prescribing medicines and treatment is an essential part of medical practice. This statement outlines what good prescribing practice involves and the legal requirements doctors must comply with.

  • Doctors and performance enhancing medicines in sport

    Medical care & prescribing

    Last updated 1 February 2017

    Certain medicines have the potential to enhance athletic performance or an individual's physique. We set out in this statement our position on doctors who prescribe, administer and supply performance-enhancing medicines, or who assist others in doing so.