Blogs

Austroads Tackle Drivers who Shop Around

12 Sep 2016

Image of good Samaritans helping at the seen of an accident

Austroads have released a new edition of Assessing Fitness to Drive, effective from 1 October 2016. The new edition contains an expanded section on what to do with patients who aren't fit to drive and might shop around for an opinion from a doctor who is not aware of their medical history, as well as some amendments to medical criteria.

The role of doctors in assessing fitness to drive was the subject of an inquest in Queensland in  a case involving an elderly driver who visited a number of doctors in an attempt to regain her licence after it was cancelled. She was then involved in a fatal crash that claimed her life.

We recommend that doctors are familiar with the Austroads guidelines, and refer to them when assessing patients’ fitness to drive. See also this case study on fitness to drive, or contact MDA National for further advice.

 

This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.



 

Library

Reportable Deaths and Coronial Matters

MDA National's Daniel Spencer (Case Manager - Solicitor) and Karen Lam (Medico-Legal Adviser) discuss when a person's death should be reported to the Coroner and what to do if the Coroner requests a statement or report.

Death Certificates

When a doctor can write a death certificate (where the death does not need to be reported to the Coroner), considerations when writing the death certificate and how to complete it accurately.

Communication in healthcare teams

Why good and effective communication is a vital part of delivering quality and safe patient care

Doctors, Let's Talk: Setting Boundaries At Work

A conversation with Nicola Campbell, Psychiatry Registrar, that explores the necessity of setting professional boundaries as a Junior Doctor.

Podcasts

07 Dec 2022