In 2017- 2018, the Government of Australia announced that it would transition the My Health Record system to national opt-out participation arrangements. This means that every Australian will get a My Health Record by the end of 2018, unless they advise they do not want one. These arrangements will bring forward the significant benefits of My Health Record, which include: • the prevention of adverse drug events; • enhanced patient self-management; • improvements in patient health outcomes; • reduced time spent gathering information; and • avoid duplication of services.

Following the implementation of the opt-out arrangements, it is anticipated that the vast majority of Australian’s will have a My Health Record. Healthcare providers will be able to access timely information about their patients, such as shared health summaries, discharge summaries, prescription and dispense records, pathology reports and diagnostic imaging reports to support improved decision making and continuity of care.

Additionally, data contained within the My Health Record system will have the potential to deliver unprecedented levels of insight into population health outcomes, more sustainable resourcing, and inspire new clinical developments to further improve Australia’s health system. The Department of Health continues to work closely with the Australian Digital Health Agency to improve patient healthcare through supporting the use of the My Health Record system.​