The law on medicines has become increasingly complicated in recent years. The creation of the European Medicines Agency, the extension of prescribing privileges, public revulsion over the Dr Shipman case, and the growing use of recreational drugs are just some of the causes of this burgeoning complexity.
This book is intended for all the health professionals involved in the dispensing, administration, prescribing and supply of medication, whether in hospitals or in the community. It may also be of use to health service managers, patient groups and their representatives, lecturers and clinical supervisors. Each chapter uses a scenario to illustrate the relevant laws so that they can be explained in a clear, practical, jargon- free way. Among other topics, chapters cover: The statutory provisions of Medicines Act and Misuse of Drugs Act Nurse prescribing and patient group directions The laws relating to consent and accountability Storage and destruction of medicines Complementary medicines. The book does not aspire to be encyclopaedic; rather, it introduces readers to the basic principles that apply and the sources of law, so that they can add to their knowledge through further reading of books and websites. As a lucid and accessible synthesis of the UK`s current legal framework for medicines, it is an essential and timely read for all those who work in health care.
Bridgit Dimond MA, LLB, DSA, AHSM, Barrister-at-Law is Emeritus Professor of the University of Glamorgan. She was formerly Assistant Director and Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies at the University of Glamorgan. She is experienced as a health service manager, and as a lecturer in health service law and management. She is a non-executive director of Bro Taf Health Authority and of SHAW homes. She is well known for her writings on all aspects of the law relating to health care.
