Press release
Minister for Health publishes Bill to provide a legal basis for digital health records in Ireland
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
The new Health Information Bill will provide patients with easier access to their own health information, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their health and care:
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has today published the Health Information Bill 2024, following approval by Government. The legislation, once enacted, will provide a legal basis for digital health records in Ireland, along with legal provisions on the sharing of patient data for care and treatment. It will also support Ireland’s obligations under the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation, which will enter into force in autumn 2024.
The Health Information Bill is a vital component for the successful implementation of ‘Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024 – 2030’ which was launched in June. The Bill empowers the Health Service Executive (HSE) to draw together health information from across care settings – public, private, and voluntary – for the development and deployment of digital health records for all patients.
Minister Donnelly said:
"Integrated care as envisioned in Sláintecare, needs the right information, in the right place, at the right time. The Health Information Bill gives patients greater access to their own information so they can make informed decisions about their health and care options. It also enables health professionals to have a more complete, holistic view of the patients they are treating."
The Bill will provide increased access to health information for both patients and healthcare providers. This will result in better, more efficient care that will improve overall health outcomes and health system performance.
Minister Donnelly added:
"This legislation supports our national preparations for implementation of the EU Regulation on the EHDS which will come into force in autumn. This will transform how we access and use health information for care and treatment, as well as for important secondary-use purposes such as research and innovation.
"By harnessing digital, and unlocking the power of quality data, we are laying the foundations for an innovative, efficient, and truly modern health service."
The Minister expects to progress the Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas in the autumn legislative session. Further legislative measures are planned in the months and years ahead to give full effect to the policy intent of the approved General Scheme of the Bill and to meet EHDS implementation deadlines which fall in 2026-2030.
The purpose of the Health Information Bill 2024 is to ensure that Ireland has a fit-for-purpose national health information system that enhances patient care and treatment and supports better planning and delivery of health services into the future.
The Bill has a priority focus on Digital Health Records and is the first step in preparing Ireland for its obligations under the forthcoming European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation. The Bill supports ‘Digital for Care – A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030’ (May 2024) and the HSE’s Implementation Roadmap (July 2024).
The Bill will also enhance patient safety through stronger identification processes. It provides for the best-practice use of Eircode and the PPSN to uniquely identify patients, in line with national digital strategy.
The Health Information Bill 2024 provides for the following in Irish law: