No Peeking!

A doctor’s registration was suspended for six months for accessing his wife’s electronic hospital records without reasonable justification and seeking information from her oncologist without her authority. He was also found to have knowingly made and failed to correct false submissions to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

This follows the news that 21 SA Health staff had been caught inappropriately looking at patients’ medical records. To date, five of the staff have had their employment terminated.

Regular audits are conducted on access to electronic medical records.

We have assisted a number of Members who have been under investigation for looking at the medical records of their partners, other family members or “celebrity” patients.

Significant penalties can apply if you are found to have accessed medical records when there is no clinical justification for doing so.

This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.