26 July 2024

Health Information bill

Following our update last year, the Minister for Health has published the Health Information bill.

The bill was drafted in line with the 2023 drafting note, although it does not include creation of a national health information authority as previously suggested. This will be brought in at a later date. The bill provides for the requirement to electronically transfer data from/to health service providers, including local optical practices, for all patients (including self-funded patients) for transfer or ongoing care.

It also requires the HSE to create an individual patient record for data to be entered - the HSE may request such data from each health service provider for each instance of care. The HSE may aggregate data for health planning and other national purposes and may make ad hoc requests for data from providers, with which they must comply.

FODO Ireland continues to monitor the development of the bill, including any support for the electronic transfer of data. If you have any feedback, please email [email protected]

Read the bill in full or in brief.