The course examines the regulation of health care in Australia, involves analysis and development of moral and bioethical argument about the development of health law in Australia, and addresses the principal human rights issues which arise in the practice of health care law. The course begins with an overview of the Australian health system and its constitutional and legislative framework. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of medical ethics, patients' rights and efficiency and safety in health care including healthcare whistleblowing. Particular topics which are covered include: confidentiality, consent, negligence, accountability, health records, expert evidence, research and experimentation, organ donation, emergency treatment, intensive care, abortion, safety and cost effectiveness regulation of pharmaceuticals and new medical technologies, nanomedicine and biotechnology regulation, stem cells and medical research, new reproductive technologies, and death and dying. Consideration is also given to the law relating to mental health and public health, as well as the impact of international trade agreements on access to essential medicines and Australia's health care system.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe, discuss and analyse the normative interaction of Australian health law with Australian and international principles of bioethics and international human rights related to contemporary healthcare and health policy;
- Define, explain, and apply the law of doctor-patient relations, nurse-patient relations, medical professional regulation and public health law;
- Explain and analyse policy areas such as regulation of new health technologies, illness prevention, impacts of trade agreements on health care and health care economics;
- Identify, describe and analyse relevant ‘gaps’ in the literature on law and policy matters of health, law, bioethics and human rights and prepare and present work that could be submitted for peer review and possible publication in referred journals - this being a compulsory assessment item;
- Take on the role of social conscience activist in relation to healthcare issues in the local and international communities, by identifying and summarising issues related to public policy and health and presenting them publicly. There is an opportunity to practice developing this skill in the compulsory op-ed assessment item.
Other Information
Classes may be offered in non-standard sessions and be taught on an intensive base with compulsory contact hours (a minimum of 36 hours). Please refer to the LLB timetable for dates. Please contact the ANU College of Law Student Administration Services to request a permission code to enrol in classes offered in non-standard sessions.
Indicative Assessment
- Academic article (3000 words) (60) [LO null]
- Op-ed (1000 words) (20) [LO null]
- Pre-reading multiple choice quiz (20) [LO null]
- Or if there are sufficient numbers: A moot (written submissions 3000 words, 60%, and oral presentation 20%) and (80) [LO null]
- Pre-reading multiple choice quiz (20) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week (a minimum of 36 hours). Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4170 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
