Cranley v Medical Board of Western Australia

(1992) 3 Med LR 94

SUPREME COURT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

and Mr Justice IPP

Professional conduct — General practitioner — Medical treatment of drug addicts — Treatment under “harm reduction” policy — Prescription of parenteral valium for self-administration — Prescription of allegedly excessive quantities of doloxine, rohypnol and valium tablets — Doctor charged with “infamous” and “improper conduct” — Whether treatment recognized by reputable minority of medical practitioners — Meaning of “proper therapeutic purposes” — Medical treatment — Drug addicts — Whether treatment under “harm reduction” policy recognized by reputable minority of medical practitioners