Member for Mildura Jade Benham has called for a common-sense approach to health information sharing, giving people the power to opt-out of having personal details shared among health practitioners.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Ms Benham said while the Health Legislation Amendment would allow easier information sharing, people should not be forced into such a program.
“We want better health outcomes for everyone in Victoria’s health system and to help our front line workers access key information to assist that, but this bill is not that simple,” Ms Benham said.
“Our healthcare workers – our ambos, our allied health professionals, our clinicians – would love to be able to get hold of all sorts of patient information in a snap.
“But people in my communities who were locked down are tired of being told what to do and being told they do not have a choice.
“This needs an opt-out clause.”
Ms Benham said constituents have shared concerns around the security of their personal health data.
“These are everyday people who are not comfortable with the fact that this scheme will share patient information without their knowledge or consent,” Ms Benham said.
“There are no safeguards for accessing sensitive information such as family violence history or mental health history, among other information,” Ms Benham said.
“People deserve to have a choice over their own health information, not be forced into a system where information is shared with whoever a Government department sees fit.”
