MHR opt-out period starts

BY THE end of 2018 a new My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they formally choose not to have one during a three month “opt-out” period starting from today.

According to the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), more than 5.9 million Australians already have a My Health Record, while almost 13,000 healthcare professional organisations are connected including pharmacies, hospitals and general practices.

ADHA chief medical adviser, Professor Meredith Makeham, said “My Health Record empowers Australians by giving them secure access to their own healthcare information and supports them in managing their health conditions”.

She noted that people were able to choose what healthcare information they would like to store in their My Health Record, and whom they would like to share it with, with the system a key factor in reducing harm caused by medication errors.

PSA national president Shane Jackson said the Society was helping its 30,000 pharmacist members guide patients through the important decision about whether to opt out.

“The information in the My Health Record system will allow pharmacists to deliver more effective and efficient care,” he said.

Guild president George Tambassis said increased use of My Health Record would result in sustainable healthcare delivery.

“The Guild is committed to ensuring all pharmacy dispensing and medicine related services are fully integrated into My Health Record,” Tambassis said.

“By doing so we will help advance the efficiency, quality and delivery of healthcare,” he added.

Patients wanting to opt out from the My Health Record system can do so at myhealthrecord.gov.au or by calling 1800 723 471.

The opt-out period ends 15 Oct.