Alternative Medicine - News

03.01.08

Watchdog to oversee alternative therapists

Ms Meagher released a draft code of conduct that will give the HCCC powers to crack down on unregistered health practitioners such as counsellors, psychotherapists and Reiki therapists.

As part of the code, unregistered health practitioners must not claim they can cure cancer or other terminal illnesses.

The code also attempts to stop practitioners attempting to dissuade clients from seeking or continuing treatment by a registered medical practitioner.

Practitioners must not financially exploit their clients, diagnose or treat an illness or condition without an adequate clinical basis.

"The overwhelming majority of unregistered health practitioners are honest, competent and caring," Ms Meagher said.

"However, as with all professions, there are a small number of practitioners who fall short of the standards of practice expected by their peers and the community."

Under the draft code, the HCCC will be able to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against practitioners who were found to be exploiting vulnerable people.

Source: news.com.au 03.01.08

08.10.06

Fears on change to hypnosis

A LEADING hypnotherapist says State Government moves to deregulate the use of hypnosis will result in an "open slather".

Dr Graham Wicks, who uses hypnotherapy to treat anxiety and pain in children, says it should be regulated and restricted to qualified health professionals.

"There are moves to deregulate hypnosis in SA, which means non-professionals, who have no training, could become a hypnotherapist," he said.

"It should only be used by health professionals because we don't want it to become open slather and give a wrong impression that makes people wary." SA is the only state to regulate hypnotherapy.

The Psychological Practice Bill 2006, tabled but yet to be debated in Parliament, however, would remove the requirement that "restricts the practice of hypnosis to psychologists, medical practitioners and dentists".

Advertiser, 7 October 2006

19.09.06

NSW to crack down on 'shonky' health practitioners

The New South Wales Government says it is cracking down on unregistered health practitioners or 'shonks' who prey on sick and vulnerable people. (ABC News, 19 September 2006)
[Health Legislation Amendment (Unregistered Health Practitioners) Bill 2006]

02.09.06

Naturopath charged over 'detox death'

A self-proclaimed naturopath has been charged with manslaughter after a patient allegedly died in his care during a detoxification program.

Jeffrey Dummett appeared in the NSW Supreme Court yesterday charged with the manslaughter of 37-year-old Vecko Krsteski, who died in 2002 in a granny flat at Mr Dummett's Sydney home.

(Australian, 2 September 2006)

23.08.06

Belle v Chiropractors Board of SA [2006] SASC 250

Catchwords: Appeal from decision of Chiropractors Board of SA - finding of unprofessional conduct - whether corrective care plan prescribed was sufficiently tailored to the patient - whether number of treatments prescribed was excessive - whether the appellant disparaged orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists - whether the appellant's conduct amounted to unprofessional conduct - appeal dismissed.
 

21.08.06

Herbal medics in conduct charges

DOZENS of Chinese herbal medics have been disciplined for fraud, sex offences and other misdeeds.

A watchdog policing Chinese herbal medicine practitioners and acupuncturists has investigated 70 complaints in four years.

Poor treatment, misleading or testimonial advertising, infection control, false qualifications, lack of insurance and sexual misconduct were among the claims.

The latest Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria figures show 20 complaints were lodged last financial year.

Three conduct rulings in that time included a practitioner accused of asking to see if a patient waxed or shaved, quizzing about her love life and touching her breast and genital region.

That practitioner, Robert Zhiliang Zhao, explained he was "only human" when the patient resisted advances at his Bulleen practice, the board heard.

Mr Zhao was found guilty of serious unprofessional conduct and deregistered.

In a second, separate hearing the same man was fined $1000 after the board ruled he had misled an insurer to get cover.

Mr Zhao was cleared of two other unprofessional conduct allegations involving insurance.

In the third ruling practitioner Watson Zhu, based in NSW, had his registration cancelled and was fined $3000 after he was found guilty of concealing four past complaints about his behaviour.

Board registrar Debra Gillick said the watchdog was committed to protecting the public.

Most practitioners were ethical and safe, Ms Gillick said.

The board opts to resolve disputes or hold informal or public hearings, depending on the severity of complaints.

Almost 900 Chinese herbal medicine practitioners are registered in Victoria.

Source: Karen Collier, (Herald Sun, 21 August 2006)