Confidentiality

Question 1

Data protection act 1998

Answer 1

• Data should be processed lawfully and fairly
• data should be processed for specific purposes
• adequate, relevant but not excessive note keeping
• accurate up to date records - e.g. Medical histories
• medical records not kept longer than necessary 11 years for adults (25 years if <18 y/o)
• data should be processed in line with subject rights
• security: passwords and locked, encrypted USB safe sticks
• data should not be transferred to countries outside EEA w/o adequate protection

Question 2

Freedom of Information act 2000

Answer 2

• the pt has a right to access notes and records
• the dentist has to give copy within 40 days of receipt of request
• radiographs are the dentists property
• pts have the right to correct factual errors in their medical notes
• dentists may charge a fee for radiographs £50 for hard copy, £10 for digital copy