The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has published a series of new fact sheets for consumers considering opting out of the national online My Health Record system.
In a statement accompanying the fact sheets, the OAIC said that people had until 15 October to advise the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) they did not want a My Health Record created automatically for them.
“A My Health Record is an online summary of your health information, such as medicines you are taking, any allergies you may have and treatments you have received,” the OAIC said.
It said this allowed doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers to view a person’s health information.
“Although the My Health Record system has previously been a self-register model, every individual with a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card who does not already have a record will now be automatically registered to have a My Health Record, unless they choose not to have one.
“As the independent regulator for the privacy aspects of the My Health Record system, the OAIC has developed some frequently asked questions to help inform consumers about their choice to opt-out and how to protect their health information.”
It said that anyone who did not want a My Health Record created, or who needed further information, should visit the My Health Record website to see the frequently asked questions, or call the My Health Record help line on 1800 723 471.
The OAIC’s new fact sheets can be accessed at this PS News link.
