Request for Medical Records
Dear Office of the Australian Information Commissioner,
1.
Are general practitioners legally obligated to share, upon request, a copy of medical records to the patient (to which they [medical records] are in regard to), including all progress notes, clinical notes, visit summaries, and all other information the general practitioner has created about, or received in regards to, the patient?
2.
Would it be unlawful for the general practitioner to unreasonably deny this request, given that it is deemed that no exceptions apply (e.g., the release of information would cause harm to the patient).
Yours faithfully,
Tarek
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Good afternoon Tarek,
Based on your questions below it appears that you are seeking information from the OAIC about obligations on general practitioners to share medical records.
The right to know website helps individuals make Freedom of Information requests for documents held by government agencies rather than obtaining general information. The OAIC has dedicated enquiries form for members of the public to seek information https://forms.business.gov.au/smartforms.... Could you please advise if you would like me to forward your request onto the enquiries team? Alternatively, you can submit the form using the link provided. As your query can be responded to by the enquiries team would you like to withdraw your FOI request. Could you please respond by cob on Friday 3 May 2024.
Regards,
Emily
Emily Elliott
Senior Lawyer
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Sydney | GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001
E [OAIC request email]
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