The Australian Government has extended the opt-out period for My Health Record by an extra month to 15 November 2018.
This was a key request from the Australian Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners and gives Australians more time to consider their options as the Australian Government strengthens the 2012 My Health Record legislation.
The Government will amend the 2012 legislation to ensure if someone wishes to cancel their record they will be able to do so permanently, with their record deleted from the system forever.
This means any Australian will be able to opt-out of the system permanently, at any time in the future, with their record deleted for good.
The Government will also strengthen the legislation to match the existing Australian Digital Health Agency policy. 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.
The Australian 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.
The Government will also work with medical leaders on additional communications to the public about the benefits and purpose of the My Health Record, so they can make an informed choice.