Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1243

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Bernath P.
Regulation of online pharmacy: an Australian perspective.
J Law Med 2003 Feb; 10:(3):339-63

Abstract:

This article argues that existing Australian regulations do not adequately cover online pharmacies or Internet advertising of medicines and that existing penalties and sanctions are often ineffective, potentially placing public health and safety at risk. Suggestions are made for future regulatory approaches. It is concluded that as well as an effective program of public education, cautious domestic legislative reform is necessary to ensure specific regulation of Australian online pharmacy practice and Internet advertising of medicines. In addition, the global nature of the Internet demands international co-operation and increased regulator and consumer vigilance.

Keywords:
Advertising/legislation & jurisprudence Australia Drug Industry/legislation & jurisprudence* Drug Industry/standards Government Regulation Health Care Reform/legislation & jurisprudence* Humans International Cooperation Internet/legislation & jurisprudence* Internet/standards Legislation, Pharmacy* Pharmaceutical Services/legislation & jurisprudence* Pharmaceutical Services/standards Prescriptions, Drug/standards Quality of Health Care