Privacy Law Reforms: Protecting Patients and Practices with Sarah Bartholomeusz

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris and Kim are joined by Sarah Bartholomeusz, founder and principal of You Legal, to discuss current privacy reforms and their impact on primary care practices in Australia.

Providing a clear overview of the recent changes to the Privacy Act, including the introduction of the Privacy Legislation Other Amendment Act (Polar), and why it is important for practices to update their policies and systems. 

Key Topics:

• New Privacy Reforms: Sarah explains the overhaul of the Privacy Act and the need for practices to modernise their privacy policies to address issues arising from cloud storage, artificial intelligence, and digital health records.
• Accountability and Compliance: Placing greater emphasis on the responsibility of practices to safeguard patient information, including stricter requirements on their data protection policies.
• Data Breaches and Consequences: Recent high-profile data breaches highlight that organisations, rather than individuals, are now held accountable. Practices risk significant reputational damage and fines of up to $50 million for serious contraventions.
• Practical Steps for Practice Managers: Which includes reviewing and updating privacy policies, ensuring team training and awareness, and auditing systems and security measures.
• Training and Leadership: Sarah emphasises the importance of ongoing staff education and a shared organisational approach to privacy compliance. Examples illustrate how human error in handling patient information can have serious consequences.
• Insurance Considerations:  Discussing the importance of cyber insurance and regularly reviewing policy requirements, such as two-factor authentication, to ensure coverage.
• Civil Penalties: Under the new legislation, individuals can now take civil action against practices for privacy breaches, expanding the potential liability for business owners.

Links & Resources: 

• You Legal webinar on Privacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W55xlxEzwSE
• You Legal most recent Privacy article: https://youlegal.com.au/you-legal-blogs/privacy-law-changes-medical-practices-australia
• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): https://www.oaic.gov.au/
• Hacking Health podcast: 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq9d4AWPjD8
• https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-4-providing-actionable-insights-and-staying/id1713458574?i=1000632513496

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