Contract trainee dentist suspected of viewing 16 people's health records; suspended and referred to police

The Department of Health said a contract trainee dentist is suspected of using the school dental clinical system and eHealth to view the records of 16 people who were not his patients. It came to light when a member of the public queried an eHealth access notification. The department suspended the trainee, referred the case for criminal investigation, notified the Privacy Commissioner, the eHealth Records Commissioner and the Dental Council, and will review system security and training.

What it means for you

eHealth access notifications work as a safeguard; query any notice that looks wrong.

Key points

• Watch for eHealth access notifications
• Query any access you don't recognise
• Medical records are personal data protected by privacy law

Source: Sing Tao Headline (Department of Health)

This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.