MHR move widely backed

THERE has been broad support for the My Health Record (MHR) changes announced by Health Minister Greg Hunt to strengthen the privacy provisions of the platform (PD yesterday).

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) and the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) are among the many voices supporting the adaptions to the MHR.

The changes announced by the minister will see an amendment to the MHR legislation to require a court order before any record can be released for any purpose to police or government agencies.

In addition, the government will also amend the legislation to ensure if someone wishes to cancel their MHR they will be able to do so permanently, with their record deleted from the system.

The minister also foreshadowed a one month extension of the opt-out period.

Pharmacy Guild national president George Tambassis said these measures would allay concerns that had arisen in the community.

SHPA noted that the system would reduce the risk associated with knowledge gaps as patients transition between care centres.

CHF said it would conduct a series of webinars on MHR for consumers.

More than 3,000 Australian community pharmacies, or nearly 60%, are registered with MHR.

The Guild says pharmacists should encourage patients to use the MHR to better understand their health and take greater personal responsibility for health needs.