Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—€”Sharing by Default) 2024

# Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record—Sharing by Default) 2024 ## What it does This law changes how your digital health record (My Health Record) works by making it so your health information is shared with healthcare providers by default, rather than you having to opt in each time. It also updates rules around Medicare benefits and how health data can be used. ## Why it matters The changes are designed to make it easier for doctors and hospitals to access your medical history without delays, which could speed up diagnoses and reduce duplicate tests. However, it shifts the default from "don't share unless you say yes" to "share unless you say no"—meaning your health information will be more widely accessible automatically. ## Key details - **My Health Record changes take effect the day after the law receives Royal Assent** — healthcare providers will be able to access your records by default without needing your permission each time - **Medicare benefits rules are being updated** alongside this, with commencement timing that depends on whether another related bill (the Assignment of Medicare Benefits Act 2024) passes first - **You'll still have the ability to restrict access**, but you'll need to actively opt out rather than opt in—the burden shifts to you to limit sharing if you want to

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament