eHealth record blueprints finalised

Final plans for Australia’s secure, efficient eHealth system have been released by the Commonwealth Government. The plans are contained in the document, Concept of Operations, which details the use of the personally controlled electronic health record system - a fundamental part of the move from paper-based records to secure eHealth records.

The 160-page document describes the implementation plan and consultation pathways for the electronic health system, its structure, how it will work, the security and privacy principles, and the many expected benefits of eHealth for patients, carers and healthcare professionals.

“The Concept of Operations will be used by our infrastructure partners to build the system to allow all Australians to sign up from July next year,” Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said.

The document has been refined following the release of the draft proposal last April and extensive consultation with patient groups, health professionals (including the ADA Inc.), the software industry, and other governments.