1
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Freedom of Information: Can We Afford to be Anything But Clinical?

(Assistant Director) (Director) (Assistant Director) (Director) &
Pages 158-162 | Published online: 06 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Following the introduction of the Freedom of Information Code and Act in Victoria there have been numerous requests seeking the opportunity for patients and ex-patients to view their own records. This paper explores the clinical context within which patients traditionally have had, or not had, access to their own records, and the ways in which this is now altered by freedom of information legislation. The view is put forward that such disclosure in the past has always been within a clinical context whereas now there is potential for legislative intrusion into the psychiatrist/patient relationship of which the patient record is a part. A number of case examples is provided to exemplify the issues involved and the approach that the Victorian Health Commission has taken to resolve some of the difficulties.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.