Edition 59, August 2008

ACT introduces new licensing framework for medicines and poisons


New legislation has been passed in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to reform the law regulating medicines, poisons and therapeutic goods.

The legislation will regulate a range of substances, including medicines, poisons and prohibited substances and will provide certainty for health professionals and others by having one Act and one regulation while maintaining the status quo in regard to most medicines and poisons.

In the ACT, medicines and poisons have been regulated under a number of different Acts, such as the Poisons Act 1933, the Poisons and Drugs Act 1978 and the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989. Over time, these Acts and supporting Regulations have become inconsistent, aspects of their application have become unclear, or simply become out of date.

The Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008 contains a new licensing framework for medicines and poisons, as well as grounds and powers for disciplinary action to be taken against authorised persons.

The Act will also control the way in which medicines, poisons and therapeutic goods are dealt with through a range of offences. Enforcement of the offences will be achieved through a comprehensive range of inspection and seizure powers, including the capacity to take and analyse samples.

The objectives of the Act are to promote and protect public health by minimising the risks of harm that medicines and poisons present through such things as poisonings, medicinal misadventure or the abuse of regulated substances.

For more information visit www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_31595/

This page was generated on 26 August, 2009

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