Better protection for patient data when e-records become mandatory

SINGAPORE: Employers and insurers will be prohibited from accessing a person’s medical history in the National Electronic Health Records ( NEHR) once the new Healthcare Services Bill comes into effect.

This move should allay concerns that have surfaced repeatedly during feedback sessions on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) announcement that all healthcare institutes must input patient details into a central database that all doctors and other medical practitioners will have access to.

Many people were concerned that their past medical conditions might be used against them by insurance companies when they want to buy a new policy, or by potential employers.

When the new law comes into effect under the proposed Healthcare Services Bill, those who violate it could be fined up to S$100,000 (RM301,260) and jailed for a period not exceeding 24 months.

People who do not want to have any of their medical data in the NEHR will be given two options.

They can have their data included but not made available to any doctor accessing the database.

If they change their minds later, their medical history can be uploaded.

Alternatively, they can choose not to have any of their medical data in the system.

In this case, no historical data will be available.

The idea behind the NEHR is to enable any doctor treating patients to have relevant medical information that could help in treatment and diagnosis. It will also prevent data from being lost should a doctor retire. — The Straits Times/Asia News Network