Legal, ethical, and rights issues in the adoption and use of the “My Health Record” by people with communication disability in Australia

ABSTRACT

Background: The aim of this review was to explore the legal, ethical, and rights issues surrounding use of the Australian My Health Record (MyHR) by people with communication disability.

Method: We undertook a narrative review of the legislation and research affecting the implementation of MyHR in populations with communication disability.

Results: Use of MyHR by people with communication disability will require careful consideration in relation to (a) capacity and consent; (b) roles of nominated or authorised representatives in the system; and (c) the way decisions are made in relation to the use of MyHR, including supported decision-making for people with intellectual disability.

Conclusion: Legal and ethical issues in the use of MyHR by people with communication disability centre on legal rights and equal access. These issues must be addressed if people with communication disability are to have full access to their legal rights and access in exercising personal choice and control in the use of MyHR.

KEYWORDS:

• My Health Record
• eHealth records
• ethics
• legal issues
• communication impairments
• communication disability

Disclosure statement

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

Notes

1 (1954) 91 CLR 423.

Additional information

Funding

This review was supported by funding provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council GNT1058094. There are no restrictions on publication.