E-health records one step closer
24th Nov 2011
Andrew Bracey and AAP all articles by this authorMedical Observer
THE federal government has taken another
step towards setting up its patient-controlled electronic health records
(PCEHRs) system, with Health Minister Nicola Roxon introducing the
legislation to Parliament yesterday.
Ms Roxon said the proposed national system – which has attracted criticism from doctors for the lack of remuneration offered to GPs who would be responsible for helping to set up and maintain the records – would drag
the management of health records into the 21st century.
She said individuals' health information was fragmented rather than attached to the patient, resulting in unnecessary retesting, delays and medical errors.
Hospital studies have indicated that 9–17% of tests are unnecessary duplicates, and 18% of medical errors are attributed to inadequate patient information.
Ms Roxon said a government analysis estimated the net economic benefit of e-health records at $11.5 billion to 2025.
The absence of such records demonstrated the difficulties of health reform – "the fragmentation, the vested interests and the balancing priorities".
Ms Roxon said the bill would set up the legal basis for the new system when it starts on 1 July 2012.
She said any Australian would be able to register to have a PCEHR and would be able to decide who could access it and the extent of the access.
Patients and organisations authorised to access the information would be subject to existing privacy laws.
The health department will initially run the system, though this may be transferred to a statutory authority.
An independent council would advise on clinical, privacy and security matters.
Debate on the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records Bill 2011 was adjourned.
Tags: PCEHR, E-health, Roxon, legislation
