Introduction A signature feature of the last several months has been the scramble for masks, shields and gowns – personal protective equipment (PPE) – for doctors, nurses and other care workers. Governments have been focused on ensuring that health authorities, both public and private, have a sufficient supply of essential medical equipment (such as PPE … Continue reading
Following a consultation, legislation was introduced in the Ontario Legislature on September 27, 2017 that will require pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to disclose financial relationships to healthcare professionals and organizations. The Health Sector Payment Transparency Act is one of several acts introduced by Bill 160. It will require manufacturers, wholesalers, marketing firms, and others … Continue reading
Telemedicine has been rapidly expanding in the United States. Indeed, Texas recently passed legislation that gives Texas telemedicine providers more flexibility, including the ability to establish a physician-patient relationship in connection with telemedicine services without requiring an in-person visit. Business entrepreneurs are finding ways to expand telemedicine opportunities internationally as well. NBC News recently published … Continue reading
In March 2016, the Austrian Supreme Court granted an award for pain and suffering to a patient for mental strain after a piece of broken scissors was left in his body following a surgery despite the fact that the claimant had not suffered any physical pain.… Continue reading
Australia is set to trial a new model of primary health care based on the successful “Health Care Homes” programs in Canada and the United States. Australia’s version of the Health Care Homes scheme was proposed in broad terms in December 2015 by the Primary Health Care Advisory Group, in its Better Outcomes for People … Continue reading
Summary On May 4, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signed a “systems recognition arrangement” with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada recognizing the comparability of the U.S. and Canadian food safety systems. This is only the second time that the FDA has recognized a foreign food safety system as … Continue reading
The use of technology in the health sector is on the rise. The intersection of these two industries leads to interesting legal questions relating to digital risk, including big data analytics, data security and privacy. In his budget speech on 10 May 2016, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi discussed the following interesting medical technology initiatives being undertaken … Continue reading
Background On 25 April 2015, the Minister for Health announced a review of the Guidelines (Guidelines) for Preparing Submissions to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), the body that recommends which products should be reimbursed by Government, and for how much. The Minister said the review sought to ensure that the PBAC Guidelines are “consistent … Continue reading
Summary From 1 July 2016, new country of origin labeling requirements will become a reality in Australia, with a new food labeling system commencing under the Australian Consumer Law. The implementation of the new system will have a two year transition period. From 1 July 2018, the new system will be mandatory and something which … Continue reading
Our newly released guide shares the top ten things to know about tapping into China’s medical devices industry. The guide provides an overview of the regulatory regime for medical devices in China and the top issues that foreign investors and manufacturers should consider when entering the China market.… Continue reading
In Low v. Pfizer Canada Inc. the British Columbia Court of Appeal accepted Pfizer’s argument that the Canadian patent regulatory regime does not provide the basis for a civil action by consumers based on alleged breaches of the patent regime. The Court found, in relation to a claim pertaining to Pfizer’s Viagra, that the patent … Continue reading
As part of the Australian Government’s digital health agenda, the Health Legislation Amendment (eHealth) Act 2015 (the Act) has recently been assented to. The personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system was launched in July 2012. eHealth records are an online summary of an individuals’ health information. The individual controls what is included in the … Continue reading
What it means: The Commonwealth’s desire to pursue damages pursuant to the usual undertaking seems firmly entrenched. Pharmaceutical patent holders need to consider this prior to commencing infringement actions. The Commonwealth seems to be guarded regarding the potential success of its two initial claims against originators. The Commonwealth of Australia’s ongoing battle with originator pharma … Continue reading
The Australian Federal Treasurer, Joe Hockey, recently announced that there will be an inquiry into Australia’s intellectual property arrangements. The inquiry, to be conducted by the Productivity Commission, the Australian Government’s independent research and advisory body, will examine the balance between promoting competition and protecting intellectual property in Australia, taking into account our international trade … Continue reading
State and Federal Tasmanian Members of Parliament have stepped up the pressure on the Federal Government to allow production of industrial hemp for human consumption. In Australia, the National Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP) includes the genus Cannabis as a ‘Prohibited Substance’, except as processed hemp fibre containing 0.1 per … Continue reading
Germany is currently undergoing substantial legislative changes in the healthcare sector. While the current Government had announced these reforms already in its coalition agreement 2013, it is only now beginning to act on them. Although not part of an overall masterplan, the various elements aim towards building a more compliant, digitalized and patient-focused German healthcare … Continue reading
Food Safety Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has opened submissions into a request by Monsanto Australia (Monsanto) to market (but not cultivate) food based on a genetically modified soybean line, MON-87751. MON-87751 has been genetically engineered to express two proteins, which provide protection from feeding damage caused by particular insects. The GM soybean would be cultivated … Continue reading
The Australian Government has begun further awareness raising for its multi-million dollar Health Star Rating (Health Star) system. The Health Star system aims to aid in the education of Australians regarding their food choices, through a complicated 5 star rating system. The Health Star system awards points to foods based on their protein, fibre and … Continue reading
The Australian Government recently made substantial amendments to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995 (Agvet Code Regulations)[1]. These amendments were intended to reduce the impacts of regulation on low risk stock food and pet foods, and are estimated to save $7.8 million per year in regulatory costs. The Government has now released a … Continue reading
The Australian Parliament has recently introduced two suites of bills, relating to charges for the import of food into, and export of food out of, Australia. The Export Charges (Collection) Bill 2015, Export Charges (Imposition – General) Bill 2015, Export Charges (Imposition – Excise) Bill 2015 and Export Charges (Imposition – Customs) Bill 2015 (collectively … Continue reading
Corrupt pharmacists, physiotherapists, doctors and care workers could face up to five years imprisonment if found guilty of corruption or bribery, according to a new law being introduced by the German government. This week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet signed off on the anti-corruption plan presented by the German Justice Minister. Some commentators say that … Continue reading
In a surprise announcement, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot announced on 21 July 2015 the new labelling regime, earlier than expected. This announcement follows a large public survey on the issue of country of origin food labelling, which had almost 18,000 responses. In a press conference, along with the Hon. Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry … Continue reading
The City of Toronto recently launched a pilot program that allows individuals to anonymously report suspected cases of food poisoning to Toronto Public Health. The program, which Toronto has dubbed “GastroBusters”, allows residents to anonymously report the details of their illness online or by telephone. Opponents of the GastroBuster program have pointed out that the … Continue reading
New rules have come into force for the Canadian Agricultural Review Tribunal (the “Tribunal”). In Canada, certain decisions affecting the food industry have been delegated to quasi-judicial administrative tribunals. Administrative tribunals have been created for the purpose because they facilitate the appointment of decision-makers with expertise in the subject area, and they facilitate more informal … Continue reading