Information Sheet - Accessing Health
Records at EACH
How to access health information
The Health Records Act 2001 (Victoria) (the HRA Act) gives individuals a right of access to
their personal health information held by any organisation in the private sector in Victoria, in
accordance with Health Privacy Principle 6 (HPP6). HPP 6 obliges health service providers and
other organisations that hold health information about a person to give them access to their
health information on request, subject to certain exceptions and the payment of fees (if any).
Making a request for access
An individual is required to make a request in writing. In the request, the individual needs to:
1. state their name and address
2. identify sufficiently the health information they are seeking access to,
3. specify the form they want the access in (i.e. obtaining a copy of their file, inspecting the
information, or viewing the information, accompanied by and explanation by a health
service provider. An individual can also request an accurate summary if the health records
are extensive or complex).
An individual can seek access on behalf of someone else if:
that other person has a right of access AND
(a) has authorised them in writing to seek access on their behalf (e.g. a solicitor, family
member or friend )
OR
(b) is their authorised representative (such as parent, guardian or a person holding an
enduring power of attorney)
OR
the individual is the legal representative of the deceased person who would have had a
right of access when alive.
The request must be in writing and they must provide evidence of their authority to act on the
person’s behalf.
Correction of personal information
An individual has the right to apply to have their personal information that is held by the agency
amended if they believe that it is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or not up-to-date. A request
to amend information must be in writing with details of why the information is considered
incorrect.
The agency must notify the individual in writing of its decision to correct the information within
30 days.
Reviewing a decision
If an individual is not satisfied with the response to their request for access or correction of health
information, they can write to:
Health Services Commissioner
Level 30, 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Ph:8601 5200 or Toll Free 1800
Email: hsc@dhs.vic.gov.au
Timelines for responding to requests
The individual will be notified in writing that access to their request will be provided within 45 days
from the date the request has been received.
For further information or to submit an application contact:
The Health Records Officer
EACH
46 Warrandyte Road
Ringwood Vic 3134
Ph. (03) 9871 1800
Email: info@each.com.au