Patient Terms

1. Non-Emergency Services

• Healing Leaves Clinic services are not intended for medical emergencies.
• In cases of emergency, call local emergency services immediately (000 in Australia).
• Our staff may contact emergency services if they reasonably believe a patient is at risk of serious harm.

2. Informed Consent & Risks

By proceeding with treatment, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

2.1 Experimental and Unregistered Medicines

• Medicinal cannabis is generally considered an experimental drug, and in many cases there is limited data from which to draw specific treatment recommendations.
• Medicines prescribed under the TGA Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) are unregistered medicines, meaning their safety, quality, and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by the TGA.
• These medicines may carry uncertain or limited long-term safety data. All use is under the supervision and clinical judgement of your prescribing doctor.
• For further information visit: www.tga.gov.au/medicinal-cannabis-guidance-documents

2.2 Known Side Effects

Possible known side effects of medicinal cannabis compounds, principally Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, increased appetite, light-headedness, drowsiness, sedation, relaxation
• Anxiety, paranoid thoughts, hallucinations, psychosis, mental disturbance
• Dizziness, vertigo, coordination imbalance, confusion, disorientation, memory changes, cognitive impairment
• Abnormal blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, physical weakness, lethargy, seizures
• Chronic bronchitis if inhaled; bowel changes; uncontrolled laughter or euphoria

2.3 Children, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding

Important Notice: The benefits and harms of medicinal cannabis in children, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding are not well investigated. Healing Leaves Clinic and its practitioners are not liable for any damages or claims relating directly or indirectly from medicinal cannabis use in these circumstances. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or seeking treatment for a minor must disclose this prior to consultation.

2.4 Drug Interactions

• Medicinal cannabis may interact with your current medications and cause additional or amplified side effects.
• You must disclose all current medications and supplements to your prescribing doctor before treatment commences.

2.5 Liability Waiver

By proceeding with treatment, you waive and disclaim any right to claim against Healing Leaves Clinic, its practitioners, officers, employees, contractors, affiliates, and agents for any possibility of side effects, adverse effects, and unknown risks involved in taking medicinal cannabis. Healing Leaves Clinic accepts no liability or claims for the prescribing, dispensing, compounding, or administration of medicinal cannabis products.

3. Contraindications & Patient Declaration

By proceeding, you declare that you do not have any of the following medical conditions, which are potentially dangerous or contraindicated with medicinal cannabis treatment (principally THC):

• Hypersensitivity to cannabinoids or any type of excipients
• Substance addiction or the intentional use of drugs for non-medical purposes
• Current listing on a drug-dependent register
• Known or suspected personal history of schizophrenia or psychotic illness
• Known or suspected family history of schizophrenia or psychotic illness
• Known or suspected personal history of severe personality disorder
• Known or suspected severe or unstable cardio-pulmonary disease

If you have or develop any of the above conditions, you must notify your prescribing doctor immediately. Failure to disclose contraindicated conditions may result in immediate discharge without refund.

4. Appointment Bookings

• All appointments must be booked through our official booking system.
• You must provide a valid email address, phone number, and other contact details at the time of booking.
• Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment. Unpaid bookings may be automatically cancelled.
• Bookings made via third-party services or unofficial channels are not recognised.
• By booking, you give us permission to access your My Health Record so we can provide a safe and accurate assessment of your health.

5. Confirmation of Appointments

• Once a booking is made, you will receive a confirmation email with all relevant details, including date, time, practitioner, and location or method of service.
• Please review the confirmation carefully and notify us immediately of any errors.
• Appointment times are displayed in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST — Brisbane, QLD, GMT+10). You are responsible for attending at the correct scheduled time.

6. Rescheduling Appointments

• Requests to reschedule must be made prior to the scheduled appointment.
• While we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate rescheduling requests, availability cannot be guaranteed due to clinic capacity or practitioner schedules.
• Rescheduled appointments remain subject to the same payment and cancellation policies as the original booking.

7. Cancellations & Refunds

7.1 Refund Eligibility

• Strict Conditions: Refunds are available only if you are deemed ineligible for our services following an initial assessment by our healthcare professionals.
• No Refunds for Eligible Patients: If you are assessed as eligible but choose to cancel or not proceed for any reason, no refund will be issued.
• No-shows or late cancellations may incur a fee up to the full cost of the appointment.
• After missing 3 appointments you will be required to rebook and pay the appointment fee again, as this is considered a new appointment.

7.2 Appointment Delays

• Scheduling Goal: Appointments are typically scheduled within 7 business days of booking.
• Possible Delays: Due to demand, scheduling may extend to 14–21 business days.
• Policy on Delays: Refunds will not be issued for scheduling delays, regardless of length.

7.3 Change of Mind

• No Refunds: Patients who are eligible but decide not to proceed for personal reasons are not entitled to a refund.
• Acknowledgement: By booking, you accept that refunds are not available for change of mind.

7.4 Time Zone Policy

• All booking times are in Brisbane, QLD (AEST, GMT+10).
• Confirmation emails reflect applicable time zone adjustments.
• You are responsible for attending at the scheduled time considering your local time zone.

8. Patient Responsibilities

• Ensure you are available at the scheduled appointment time. Missed or late appointments may result in forfeiture of your booking and payment.
• Provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date medical information, including all medications, medical history, and current health status.
• Follow practitioner instructions and treatment plans carefully.
• Promptly report any adverse effects experienced from treatment, including but not limited to sedation, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, agitation, memory changes, or balance issues.
• Inform your prescribing doctor of any changes to other medications, health conditions, or lifestyle factors that may affect treatment.
• Maintain a detailed log of doses, symptom changes, and other relevant observations to support safe monitoring.
• Attend regular follow-up consultations as instructed, including via Telehealth as required.
• Avoid alcohol, intoxicants, or recreational drugs that may interact with your medicinal cannabis treatment.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle that will support your condition or symptoms.
• Inform your prescribing doctor if medicinal cannabis does not work for your condition or symptoms.

8.1 Employment, Safety & Legal Compliance

It is your sole responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable laws, employment contracts, safety guidelines, and workplace obligations regarding medicinal cannabis treatment and THC or other cannabinoid levels within your body. Healing Leaves Clinic accepts no liability in connection with any employment, occupational, or legal consequences arising from your treatment.

8.2 Vehicles & Machinery — Driving Offence Warning

Legal Warning — Driving with THC: It is an offence under section 79(2AA) of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld), or equivalent State or Territory legislation, for a person to drive, attempt to put in motion, or be in charge of a motor vehicle, tram, train, or vessel while THC is present in their blood or saliva. You must not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking THC-containing medicines. A legally issued prescription does not provide a defence to such an offence. You bear full legal responsibility for compliance, and Healing Leaves Clinic accepts no liability in relation to the operation of any vehicle or machinery.

8.3 Prohibition on Sharing or Selling Medicinal Cannabis

You agree not to share, sell, lend, trade, or in any way transfer your medicinal cannabis to any other person. This is an illegal act. Healing Leaves Clinic may cooperate with police and/or government authorities to investigate any alleged misuse or diversion of your medicinal cannabis prescription.

9. New Patient Policy

• Patients must be 20 years of age or older to receive treatment.
• You acknowledge and understand the potential risks and complications associated with unregistered medicines and experimental treatments.
• You agree to follow all recommendations from your prescribing doctor regarding dosage, treatment plans, and follow-up care.
• You confirm that you will not use illicit drugs or any medications not disclosed to or approved by your prescribing doctor.
• You acknowledge the possibility of unknown risks and side effects associated with treatment.

10. Drug Prescription Policy

• You acknowledge that medicines prescribed under the TGA SAS-B pathway are unregistered medicines.
• Driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing tasks requiring alertness while under the influence of these medicines may be unsafe and could result in legal or criminal consequences, including adverse roadside drug testing outcomes.
• You must follow all dosage instructions carefully and report any adverse effects promptly.
• Your prescribing doctor is required to report treatment outcomes to the Australian Government, including the TGA and Department of Health.
• You consent to your clinical outcomes being shared for medical research, treatment optimisation, or regulatory purposes in a de-identified form.

10.1 Scope of Use — Australia Only

• All prescriptions issued by our clinic are strictly for redemption within Australia.
• Prescriptions are not valid for redemption outside of Australia, including but not limited to overseas jurisdictions and Norfolk Island.
• Products containing cannabinoids (CBD or THC) prescribed under Australian law are for use within Australia only.
• Exporting, transporting, or using these products outside Australia or in restricted territories is prohibited and may result in legal consequences under international or local laws.
• Patients are responsible for ensuring that prescribed products are used only within Australia, in accordance with Australian laws and regulations.

10.2 Script Admin Fee

Prescriptions are managed through the Healing Leaves patient portal via our participating pharmacies. Patients who request a manual script release to an outside pharmacy will incur a Script Admin Fee of $29 to cover the additional processing costs involved.

11. Patient Monitoring Program

By proceeding with treatment, you consent to participation in a patient monitoring program. Specifically, you agree that:

• You may be given access to a patient monitoring program to track your symptoms, progress, and other personal details.
• The monitoring program will record your personal details, clinical details, and medicinal cannabis data.
• Data entered into the monitoring program may be accessed, stored, and used by Healing Leaves Clinic or authorised associates in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
• You may be contacted with further information on medicinal cannabis as it becomes available.
• You may withdraw consent to the monitoring program at any time by notifying us in writing, understanding this may affect continuity of care.

12. Consent to Communications

By using our services, you agree that Healing Leaves Clinic and those acting on its behalf may send you SMS messages, email, or other communications. These may include:

• Operational messages about your appointments, prescriptions, and account
• Follow-up reminder and recall notices for treatment and preventative healthcare
• Marketing or promotional messages regarding our services or third-party partners

Standard text messaging charges applied by your carrier will apply to SMS messages we send. Your agreement to receive promotional communications is not a condition of receiving treatment.

You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us. Note that opting out of all communications may limit your ability to use certain services. You may opt back in at any time by contacting us. If you change your contact details, you must update your account to prevent inadvertent communications to a third party.

13. Privacy & Sharing of Data

To provide safe, effective, and streamlined patient care, Healing Leaves Clinic collects your personal and medical information for the primary purpose of providing quality healthcare. In keeping with the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles, your information may be used or disclosed for the following purposes:

• Administrative and billing purposes, including compliance with Medicare requirements
• Disclosure to other health professionals involved in your care, including referring doctors, specialists, and pharmacies
• Sharing within our trusted network of medical professionals, regulatory agencies, and affiliated service providers necessary for continuity of care
• Accreditation and quality assurance activities to improve individual and community healthcare
• Legal disclosure as required by a court of law or regulatory body
• Research purposes, using only de-identified information
• Reporting to the Australian Government, TGA, and Department of Health as required by law

We do not sell or disclose your personal or health information to third parties for marketing or unrelated purposes. Any data shared outside our network will only occur with your consent or as required by law.

You are free to withdraw, alter, or restrict your consent at any time by notifying us in writing.

14. Guardian & Carer Provisions

Where treatment is sought on behalf of a patient who cannot independently consent, a legal guardian or authorised representative must:

• Identify themselves and their authority at the time of booking
• Provide consent on behalf of the patient for all aspects of this agreement
• Accept full legal responsibility for the patient's medicinal cannabis use and compliance with these terms
• Ensure the patient meets all eligibility requirements, including age and contraindication criteria

Healing Leaves Clinic and its practitioners accept no liability for consequences arising from failure to disclose guardianship status or the patient's medical history.

15. Discharging

We care about our patients and want to make the transition process as smooth and professional as possible.

• A $69 administration fee applies for the preparation of an official discharge letter.
• This fee covers the administration and processing time required by our clinical and support team.
• Each discharge letter is prepared and reviewed by our team to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Discharge letters are provided upon patient request or where deemed clinically appropriate by the practitioner.
• Requests must be made through the official discharge form found on our website.

16. Respectful Conduct

Our clinic is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for both patients and staff. The following conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances:

• Verbal abuse, shouting, or threatening language directed at any staff member
• Physical aggression, intimidation, or harassment
• Discrimination, offensive remarks, or inappropriate comments
• Repeated unreasonable demands, disrespectful conduct, or disruptive behaviour

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone engaging in abusive or inappropriate behaviour, and to discharge a patient from our clinic if conduct breaches this policy. In cases of confirmed abuse, patients will not be entitled to refunds, regardless of appointment status or eligibility.

17. Costs

All costs of accessing, purchasing, using, and managing your medicinal cannabis prescription are your personal responsibility. This includes but is not limited to consultation fees, prescription fees, pharmacy dispensing fees, script admin fees, and any other ancillary charges.

18. Final Declaration & Acknowledgement

By booking an appointment with Healing Leaves Clinic, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms in full. Specifically, I declare that:

1. All necessary information has been or will be provided to me to make an informed decision about medicinal cannabis treatment.
2. I understand the potential risks, possible side effects, and complications of medicinal cannabis treatment.
3. I agree that medicinal cannabis may not work for my medical condition or symptoms.
4. I will carefully follow the advice of my prescribing doctor on dosage, frequency, and treatment plans.
5. I consent to my personal information being used and shared as described in these terms.
6. I give permission for contact via SMS to my nominated mobile number.
7. I am aware of and will comply with all laws relating to the operation of vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and machinery regarding THC levels in blood and saliva.
8. I acknowledge the potential conflict of interest disclosed in clause 11.
9. I agree to all Terms and Conditions of Use, Trading Terms, and Privacy Policies for Healing Leaves Clinic, viewable on our website at any time.
10. Compliance with these terms is a condition of receiving treatment.