4/10/2024

West Cessnock Medical Practice is committed to safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring the security of health information. This policy outlines our procedures for communicating personal information via email in compliance with RACGP standards.

Consent:
Prior to sending any personal health information via email, we will seek and document explicit patient consent in their medical file. Patients will be informed of the potential risks associated with email communication.

Privacy and Security Measures:
While privacy legislation does not prescribe specific methods for transmitting health information, we adhere to best practices to protect patient privacy and security. The following measures will be implemented:

·       Email Encryption: While email encryption is strongly recommended, it is not mandatory. We will evaluate the necessity based on the sensitivity of the information being shared.

·       Password Protection: Where feasible, sensitive information will be sent as a PDF document with password protection. Patients will be given the option to receive their password via a separate email or text message.

·       Documentation: All patient requests for information via email will be documented in their medical file, including details of the consent obtained.

Informing Patients:
Patients will be informed of the inherent risks associated with unencrypted email communication. We will encourage patients to consider these risks before agreeing to use email for receiving health information.

Written Permission:
Whenever possible, the practice will obtain written permission from patients to communicate via email. If obtaining written consent is not feasible, verbal consent will be documented in the patient’s file.

Review and Compliance:
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing compliance with RACGP standards and any relevant legislative changes.