In 2018 the Commonwealth Government reviewed the former eHealth Record System and replaced it with an opt-out system known as the My Health Record system.

Australians have until 31 January 2019 to opt-out of having a My Health Record automatically created for them. Every person who has a Medicare or Department of Veterans' Affairs card and who does not opt-out by 31 January 2019 will have a record automatically created.

The electronic record will store a person's health records and will be accessible (in accordance with access controls) by the individual, their doctor(s), hospital, and other healthcare providers. Individuals will be able to access their record online.

The law about the My Health Record system is found in the My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth), My Health Records Regulations 2012 (Cth) and My Health Records Rules 2016 (Cth).

For information on the opt-out system of My Health Records, the My Health Record Helpline can be contacted on: 1800 723 471.

Detailed information on the My Health Record system can be located on the OAIC website via their factsheets and FAQs (link opens new window).