Confidentiality, Privacy and access to Medical Records

Question 1

What is the difference between confidentiality and privacy?

Answer 1

Confidentiality - tends to be concerned with inappropriate disclosure or communication of information
Privacy - focuses on the collection, storage and handling of patient information – the 2 overlap to some extent

Question 2

Explain what the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) enforces and its principals are?

Answer 2

• covers private & public sector organisations &
  individuals (largely health organisations which are
  Commonwealth funded e.g. aged care facilities)
• the legislation establishes the National Privacy
  Principles which:
  deal with the collection, storage, security, use &
  disclosure of personal information, as well as
  access & correction of incorrect data, provisions

Principle 1 – Collection.
For example, the information collected must be necessary for the health services’ usual functions and activities and, where necessary, patients should be informed of the reasons for collecting the information.

Principle 2 - Use and disclosure.
For example, a health service must not use or disclose personal information about an individual for a purpose
other than the primary purpose of collection.

Question 3

Explain the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)

Answer 3

b