(1)  In this section –

specified person means a medical practitioner, a dentist, an authorised health professional, an authorised nurse practitioner, a veterinary surgeon or a pharmacist.

(1A)  If a person seeks from a specified person a notifiable restricted substance or a narcotic substance, the specified person may, at his or her discretion, notify the Secretary of the relevant facts.

(1B)  If a person seeks a notifiable restricted substance or a narcotic substance from a specified person and that specified person has reason to believe that the person seeking the substance –

(a) has a history of drug-seeking behaviour; or

(b) is exhibiting drug-seeking behaviour; or

(c) has consumed or used, or is likely to consume or use, a notifiable restricted substance or a narcotic substance contrary to the prescribing practitioner's instructions –

the specified person must notify the Secretary of the relevant facts.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

(2)  This section does not require notice to be given –

(a) where the Secretary has previously been notified in relation to the person by the specified person or by a medical practitioner or dentist in the same medical or dental practice, and an authorisation to make available under section 59E has been issued in relation to the person; or

(b) where the Secretary has previously been notified in relation to the person by the specified person or by a medical practitioner or dentist in the same medical or dental practice, and the person is not treated with a notifiable restricted substance or narcotic substance; or

(c) by a medical practitioner, authorised health professional or authorised nurse practitioner on the staff of, or attending at, a treatment centre or hospital in respect of any person receiving medical treatment at that centre or hospital if such a notice has already been given in respect of that person by a medical practitioner, authorised health professional or authorised nurse practitioner; or

(d) where an application has been made, or is being made, to the Secretary by the medical practitioner, authorised health professional or authorised nurse practitioner to place the person on a program for the treatment of drug dependency.