A new bill in Ireland aims to establish a legal framework for digital health records in the country.
The Health Information Bill 2024, introduced by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, will enable the sharing of patient data for care and treatment purposes.
This legislation empowers the Health Service Executive (HSE) to compile health information from various care settings to create and utilize digital health records for all patients.
Donnelly believes that this bill is crucial in achieving integrated care as outlined in Sláintecare, HSE’s plan for improving Ireland’s health and social care system.
Through this legislation, patients will have better access to their own health information, empowering them to make informed decisions. It also allows healthcare professionals to have a comprehensive view of their patients for better treatment.
In line with the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation, the bill aims to enhance how health information is accessed and used for care, research, and innovation purposes.
The legislation will also support the implementation of the ‘Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024 – 2030,’ which includes plans for a patient app and a national shared care record.
Donnelly plans to move the bill through Ireland’s national parliament in the autumn legislative session, with additional measures expected to meet EHDS implementation deadlines between 2026-2030.
