Privacy protections now in place for the new eHealth system

Laws establishing the new eHealth system include a new role for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as the system's independent privacy regulator. Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim reminded healthcare providers participating in the eHealth record system that they need to take steps to understand their obligations under the eHealth laws. These laws impose new obligations in addition to the existing obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
The Commissioner also encouraged people to exercise their privacy rights. "If you think that information in your eHealth record has been mishandled you can make a complaint,” he said. “I now have the power to seek civil penalties and accept enforceable undertakings from health providers who don't protect this information."
The OAIC has developed privacy tips for individuals and health care providers.