Legal Aspects of Medicine

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. 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 UKs current legal framework for medicines, it is an essential and timely read for all those who work in health care.