Doctors can continue to collect information from patients about relatives
The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has made two “Public Interest Determinations” to continue to allow health service providers to collect health information from patients about their family medical history without seeking the family members’ consent.
The information can only be collected where relevant to the patient’s condition or family, social or medical history.
“Important factors in my decision to make these determinations were that this is a widely accepted practice, and that optimal patient care may not be possible if health service providers are required to seek third parties’ consent before collecting relevant information,” said Ms Curtis.
“I believe that allowing this practice to continue will promote better individual and public health outcomes.”
