Blogs

No Peeking!

21 Jul 2016

sara bird

by Dr Sara Bird

Privacy image with laptop

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.

 
 

Library

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Podcasts

25 Oct 2022

Systematic efforts to reduce harms due to prescribed opioids – webinar recording

Efforts are underway across the healthcare system to reduce harms caused by pharmaceutical opioids. This 43-min recording of a live webinar, delivered 11 March 2021, is an opportunity for prescribers to check, and potentially improve, their contribution to these endeavours. Hear from an expert panel about recent opioid reforms by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 

Diplomacy in a hierarchy: tips for approaching a difficult conversation

Have you found yourself wondering how to broach a tough topic of conversation? It can be challenging to effectively navigate a disagreement with a co-worker, especially if they're 'above' you; however, it's vital for positive team dynamics and safe patient care. In this recording of a live webinar you'll have the opportunity to learn from colleagues' experiences around difficult discussions and hear from a diverse panel moderated by Dr Kiely Kim (medico-legal adviser and general practitioner). Recorded live on 2 September 2020.