My Health Record: National Opt-out

As part of the 2017-18 Budget, the Australian Government announced that the My Health Record system would transition to opt-out participation. Australians have until 31 January 2019 to opt-out of having a My Health Record created for them if they do not want one. After this time, every eligible Australian will have a My Health Record created for them.

Page last updated: 15 November 2018

On 30 November 2017 the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, made the My Health Records (National Application) Rules 2017. These Rules apply the opt-out model, as set out in the My Health Records Act 2012, nationally.

On 25 March 2018 the Minister made the My Health Record (National Application) Commencement Instrument 2018, which specifies that Part 3 of the Rules will commence on 16 July 2018. The opt-out period will commence on this date.

On 9 August 2018 the Minister made the My Health Records (National Application) Amendment (Extension of Opt-out Period) Rules 2018, which changes the opt-out period from 3 months to 4 months.

On 14 November 2018 the Minister made the My Health Records (National Application) Amendment (Extension of Opt-out Period No. 2) Rules 2018, which specifies that the opt-out period will end on 31 January 2019.

Consumers may go to the My Health Record website to find out about opting out of My Health Record.

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