1 August Legislative changes to tighten privacy and security protections for My Health Record August 1, 2018 By Danielle Cranefield Digital Health My Health Record 0 In response to a growing privacy backlash, the Federal Government has announced legislative changes to My Health Record to restrict access by law enforcement and government agencies and allow records to be deleted by those who choose to withdraw from the system, with the opt out period also expected to be extended. “This policy requires a court order to release any My Health Record information without consent. The amendment will ensure no record can be released to police or government agencies, for any purpose, without a court order,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said. "The Digital Health Agency's policy is clear and categorical – no documents have been released in more than six years and no documents will be released without a court order. "This will be enshrined in legislation. This change to the My Health Record Act will therefore remove any ambiguity on this matter." The current legislation allows the disclosure of health information for law enforcement purposes and ‘protection of the public revenue’ without court orders. The 15 October deadline for Australians to opt-out of My Health Record is also expected to be extended by one month. Hunt said the government has moved quickly to respond to community outrage and medical fraternity advice in implementing additional privacy and security protections. Read more (Source: Healthcare IT News) Related Articles Webinar: Privacy obligations post-opt out for My Health Record - Healthcare organisations Do you work within a GP clinic, Community Pharmacy, Public or Private Hospital? Is your organisation registered for My Health Record? If you have answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions this webinar will be a must attend. My Health Record – Australians to decide on a smarter and safer way to share their important healthcare information By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they choose not to have one. If people choose not to have a My Health Record, they will be able to opt out of having one created for them during a three-month period, starting on Monday 16 July and ending on October 15 2018 Increased use of My Health Record by healthcare providers My Health Record kits being distributed to Australian healthcare providers The Australian Digital Health Agency is pleased to announce nearly 20,000 My Health Record education kits are being distributed to healthcare providers and Australia Post offices across Australia. The kits will equip providers and Agency partners with information and resources to help them advise all Australians about My Health Record PDF Download: My Health Record helps you help your patient: A Mental Health Case study A PDF document for the webinar, My Health Record helps you help your patient: A Mental Health Case study, by the Australian Digital health Agency on the 14 March, 2019 is now available for download. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): Guide to Health Privacy The OAIC has released a comprehensive Guide to Health Privacy for all health service providers covered by the Privacy Act 1988. Comments are closed.