Modern Australian Magazine
Men's Weekly

.

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australia...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...

Top Services Offered by Diesel Mechanics in Brisbane

Keeping a diesel vehicle running at its best takes more than the occasional oil change. When you invest in regular specialist care, you protect the ...

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional House Removalists

Moving day should feel like the start of a new adventure, not the end of your patience. Yet once the settlement papers are signed and the champagne ...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Managed IT Solutions and IT Services in Townsville

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, companies must adapt to embrace the transformation ahead. With an evolving technology landscape, mana...

Types of Catering You Should Consider for Your Next Event

Choosing the right type of catering service can elevate your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether it’s an elegant wedding, corporate func...

the case for opting out

  • Written by Katharine Kemp, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, UNSW, and Co-Leader, 'Data as a Source of Market Power' Research Stream of The Allens Hub for Technology, Law and Innovation, UNSW
the case for opting out

The My Health Record (MHR) opt-out period begins today and you have until October 15 to decide whether or not to be part of the scheme. You can read the case for opting in to My Health Record here.

Unless you take action to remove yourself from the My Health Record (MHR) system, the federal government will make a digital copy of your medical record, store it centrally, and, as the default, provide numerous people with access to it.

If you don’t opt out during this period and later choose to cancel your record, you will no longer be able to access that record but the government will continue to store it until 30 years after your death. You will need to trust that it will not be breached.

There are three main problems with the MHR scheme.

Read more: The latest health data breach is one reason why I’ll be opting out of MyHealthRecord

1. It can’t be relied upon as a clinical record

Contrary to what many Australians may believe, MHR is not a clinically-reliable medical record, and was not designed to be. It is not up-to-date and comprehensive. As the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) points out:

The My Health Record system contains an online summary of a patient’s key health information; not a complete record of their clinical history.

If, for example, a doctor were treating a child in an emergency, the doctor could not rely on an MHR to know what medications the child has been prescribed up to that date. In an emergency, an unreliable record is a distraction, not a help.

Many doctors have in fact objected to the incompleteness and lack of utility of the MHR. A recent poll on the AMA’s doctors portal suggests 76% of respondents think the MHR will not improve patient outcomes while 12% think it will.

Notwithstanding this fundamental deficiency, the government is pushing ahead with an inherently risky scheme.

2. It creates a security risk

If you read the very long (7,800 words) privacy policy for MHR, you’ll see that the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) itself states there are risks from the online transmission and storage of our personal information in this system.

Health data is prized by hackers

We have witnessed a stream of health data breaches in Australia and overseas, and the incentives for these breaches are only increasing.

Storing records digitally with online access greatly increases their accessibility for criminals, hackers and snoopers. Health records are valuable as a means of identity theft due to the wealth of personal information they contain. They are a huge prize for hackers, fetching a high price on the Dark Web.

Read more: After the Medicare breach, we should be cautious about moving our health records online

You won’t know who has seen it

It won’t just be your doctor who has access to this centralised digital record of your personal health information. The default position is that numerous people will have access – doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nurses, and unidentified staff of various organisations.

MHR’s access-logging system does not track which individuals are accessing records, only institutions, which means you won’t be able to tell who has seen it. Even without a technical hack, that will make it almost impossible to keep your information secure in this system.

De-identification is risky

The government is also planning to allow access to your health information for research purposes by “de-identifying” your information. That means the data should not be able to be linked to a particular individual.

But the national government has a bad record for successfully de-identifying health information.

In 2016, the government released a data set that included information on a large number of patients spanning 30 years. It was meant to be de-identified.

IT researchers at Melbourne University quickly demonstrated it could be re-identified and linked to the individuals concerned. Such re-identification risk will only grow, as data sets proliferate and tools get smarter.

Third-party access jeopardises security

MHR also permits external health apps to access your records. According to the legislation, this should only be done with your consent.

Unfortunately, and predictably, health apps are already securing “consent” through obscure, standard form contracts so you might not be aware the app owner could sell your sensitive medical information to others.

Last month, the ABC revealed one such health app (HealthEngine) was selling patient information to law firms, so patients with serious conditions and injuries were contacted repeatedly by strangers pushing them to pursue legal claims. Many didn’t know how their sensitive medical information was revealed.

The ADHA’s website publishes reports of the woefully inadequate privacy policies of health apps in general, and yet these apps might be authorised to access your MHR data with your supposed consent.

Read more: HealthEngine may be in breach of privacy law in sharing patient data

3. An ‘opt-out’ scheme goes against best practice

Critically, the opt-out consent mechanism for MHR flies in the face of global best practice for informed consent – and our own federal privacy regulator’s guidelines on the sort of consent necessary for use of health information.

Consent for use of personal information should be express, fully informed, easy to understand, and should require action on the part of the individual.

MHR disregards all of those principles.

MHR does not seek your express consent. Instead, if you do not take the necessary steps before 15 October, your health records will automatically be copied, stored and shared.

You will also not be fully informed. There will be no national television, radio or print media campaign to advertise the MHR scheme, which many Australians have misunderstood in the past. The government will not even send you a letter to tell you about this scheme, let alone its very serious risks.

By contrast, the OAIC says organisations seeking individual consent to use personal information should generally:

… ensure that an individual is properly and clearly informed about how their personal information will be handled, so they can decide whether to give consent.

and:

… seek express consent from an individual before handling the individual’s sensitive information, given the greater privacy impact this could have.

Even if implied consent were acceptable (and it is not), the OAIC states further that an organisation:

… should not assume that an individual has consented to a collection, use or disclosure that appears to be advantageous to that person. Nor can an entity establish implied consent by asserting that if the individual knew about the benefits of the collection, use or disclosure, they would probably consent to it.

Read more: App technology can fix the e-health system if done right

The time to opt-out is now

MHR is likely to create very limited benefits for many, if not most, Australians. It creates unacceptable security risks for our most sensitive personal information. And the government’s method of obtaining “consent” goes against international best practice.

If the MHR scheme were properly advertised, fully explained and Australians given a choice whether to opt-in, Australians could make an informed choice about whether the limited benefits justify the substantial risks to their sensitive information.

Those concerned about the security of their health information will need to take steps now to remove themselves from the MHR system.

Authors: Katharine Kemp, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, UNSW, and Co-Leader, 'Data as a Source of Market Power' Research Stream of The Allens Hub for Technology, Law and Innovation, UNSW

Read more http://theconversation.com/my-health-record-the-case-for-opting-out-99302

Holidays & Travel

Why Personalised Ornaments Make the Perfect Christmas Gift

In a season brimming with sentiment and tradition, gift-giving is one of the most cherished ways to show we care. And while store-bought items can be thoughtful, there’s something especially...

Slowing Down in Nature: My Experience on Orchid Classic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Why Orchid Classic is a Top Choice for Lan Ha Bay Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay, offers travelers a quieter and more...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to unlocking smoother acceleration and enhanced vehicle performance? Exhaust...

Surprise Party Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless

Throwing a surprise party is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate a special occasion. The thrill of keeping it a secret combined with the joy of watching the...

The Most Scenic Sailing Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sailing destinations. With vast coastlines, pristine waters, and diverse landscapes, these countries offer incredible opportunities for sailors...

A Guide to Finding Caravans for Sale for Your Australian Road Trip

From the rugged Outback to stunning coastal drives, there's no better way to explore Australia than in a home on wheels. If you're considering joining the caravan community, you're likely...

Must-Have Outdoor Gear for Your Next Trip

 Introduction Getting ready for your next outdoor adventure but not sure what gear makes the cut? Selecting quality equipment optimized for the conditions helps ensure fun and safety during backcountry trips...

5 Innovative Caravan Accessories to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Caravanning offers a unique and liberating way to explore the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, having the right accessories can significantly...

Conventional Tent or Roof Top Tent? Which Is Better for Camping in Australia?

For camping in Australia, it depends on factors like terrain and climate. A roof top tent is sturdy in rugged areas and elevates you above ground risks. In flat places like parks...

Fashion & Beauty

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you prefer bold patterns, minimalist details or soft...

Davines Sustainable Haircare: Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Beauty Solutions

Davines is a well-known brand in the world of haircare, known for its high-quality products that deliver exceptional results. Its commitment to sustainability and unique haircare philosophy sets Davines apart...

High Visibility Work Shirts: A Must-Have for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a necessity. Workers from construction sites to manufacturing units should be visible for their well-being and they have it by wearing high visibility work shirts. Yes, when...

Polo Shirts: Wardrobe Essential for All

Polo shirts have started the journey as sportswear. But now, these are regarded as the best workwear. Also, people love to wear them for personal gatherings and more. These are...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attention and doing the deal becomes easy. The...

Functional and Fashionable: The Rise of Ladies Workwear in Australia

A perfect change in the Australian workforce has been happening in recent days. Women are contributing a lot in the male-dominated workplaces. They are doing excellent there. So, the Australian...