AusDoc recently reported on yet another case where a tribunal has overturned the medical board’s use of its immediate action powers to suspend a doctor.

Whenever there is such news, there is commentary about the board’s inappropriate use of the power and calls for the regulators to be held to greater account.  

Does this suggest that the pendulum has swung too far in favour of protecting the public interest and the reputation of the profession over fairness to the practitioner?

The National Law empowers the medical board (and all health practitioner boards) to take immediate action if a practitioner’s health, conduct or performance poses a serious risk to persons, or action is otherwise necessary in the public interest.