Health Minister radically backs down on My Health Record
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has revealed the security changes coming to My Health digital records, amid privacy fears.
Mr Hunt confirmed the My Health Record Act will be redrafted, following criticism over patients’ medical records being able to be accessed by police.
“The amendment will ensure no record can be released to police or government agencies, for any purpose, without a court order," the statement 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."
Mr Hunt said there has not yet been a record released without a court order, but the safeguard would be included in legislation – saying it would “remove any ambiguity on this matter”.
"That just gives additional reassurance and additional protection for all Australians and it was important to the medical community," Mr Hunt told the Today Show.
Another change will see records be permanently deleted from the system if a patient opts out.
Previously, medical records were to be kept for up to 130 years.
“If you opt out, you either will never have a record or if you've had one, it will be deleted forever,” Mr Hunt said.
While the President of the Australian Medical Association, Tony Bartone, welcomed the changes, he believes the opt out period for the system needs to be extended so people can make “an informed choice”.
“In addition, we’ve also impressed upon the Minister that there’s a need to have some clear air, to ensure that the community has time to fully understand what is a My Health Record and what is entailed in the opt out process," Dr Bartone said.
Shadow Health Minister Catherine King said the increased privacy protections were “completely adequate”.
“Greg Hunt has completely bungled the roll out and he must do a great deal more to fully restore public trust in this important reform,” Ms King said.
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