The federal government approved a last-minute extension to the opt-out period for the My Health Record database on Nov. 14.
Australians who do not want their medical records stored in national electronic database, My Health Record, will have until Jan. 31, 2019 to opt-out. Those who do not opt-out by then will automatically have a My Health Record created for them.
The deadline extension to January followed a successful amendment moved in the Senate by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
“I believe that the My Health Record system will benefit many Australians but with the website crashing and people reporting difficulty opting out I believed it was only fair and reasonable to extend the initial opt-out period.” Senator Hanson said, according to a media release.
The new extension will provide Australians with more time to make up their minds as to whether to opt out, while government reforms intended to improve privacy are put in place.
The Labor party had been pushing for the extension to opt-out to be 12 months. However, this did not garner enough crossbench support.
In August, the opt-out deadline for the electronic health record system had already been extended by a month to Nov. 15.
Health Minister Greg Hunt posted to Twitter with an update on the new opt-out deadline, reminding people that “it’s important to note that people can opt-out at any time.”
Today the Government worked with the Senate crossbench to extend the opt-out period for #MyHealthRecord.
The opt-out period will be extended until January 31, 2019, however, it’s important to note that people can opt-out at any time.
— Greg Hunt (@GregHuntMP) November 14, 2018
According to the My Health Record website, those who don’t opt out in time can still cancel their records, but the information in it will still exist until 30 years after their death.
Hanson, who is not opting out of the My Health Record system herself, stressed that it was important for Australians to be informed of a few key points regarding electronic medical database. These include:
- Australians will have total control of their records.
- Australians will be able to view their own records and see who has accessed their records at any time.
- The records will not be retrospective unless a request is made that historical information be added.
- Individuals or corporations found to be abusing the system could face hefty punishment including possible jail time and fines.
Privacy Reforms
In early November, Hunt said there would be privacy reforms owing to two Senate reviews, according to AAP.
These changes include tougher penalties for those who misuse data in the system—those who are found guilty could face up to five years in jail instead of two, and be fined up to $315,000, which is more than double the prior penalty.
There would also be a tightening of loopholes to better protect victims of domestic violence. The loopholes in question may provide domestic abusers with avenues to track their fleeing victims by accessing their children’s health records in the database.
Furthermore, private health insurers would be prevented from accessing the data, even after patient identifying information had been stripped from the data. These privacy amendments are in the process of being approved in Parliament.
Hunt emphasised that there have been no cases of misuse of information since July 2012, when the database was launched, AAP reported.
Hunt had also announced in August that his department would be working to clarify the wording of the law regarding the database, stating that police and other agencies would need a court order to access any record, SBS reported.
About 4 percent, or 1.147 million Australians, have so far opted out of the records, while around 300,000 have opted-in since July, according to SBS.
My Health Record
The online database, launched in July 2012, comprises a person’s medical records—including their medications, diagnoses and treatments, allergies, and test results—that can be accessed by them and their healthcare providers. With an account, the person can control what is included in their record and who sees it.
The Australian Government announced in November 2017 that the database would transition from an opt-in to an opt-out model.
The benefits of a government My Health Record include allowing healthcare providers to have faster access to a person’s medical history, which can aid in making better or faster treatment decisions. However, many have expressed concerns over the database’s security and personal privacy.
Those who would like to opt-out can do so through the My Health Record website, the helpline 1800 723 471, or print forms at the post office. Medicare details and personal ID are required.
Reuters contributed to this report.
