Patient access to medical records.
The issue of, and access to, medical records has been a contentious matter for some years in Australia. The recent High Court decision of Breen v Williams has clarified the law nationwide. The High Court confirmed that the ownership of medical records is vested in the creator of the records. The High Court further held that a patient has no right at law to access his or her medical records in the absence of any statute granting such a right, or other legal process.
Mair
J L
JL
School of Community Health, University of Sydney.
D001315:Australia; D018427:Breast Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003219:Confidentiality; D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000639:trends; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations