Digital patient record system in doubt

The new attempt to introduce digital patient records has met a stumbling block in the form of the Labour PvdA, reports the Telegraaf on Thursday.


Labour MPs are threatening to block the voluntary system due to be introduced on January 1 unless health minister Edith Schippers comes up with watertight legislation to protect medical information.
Although the new system is a private initiative led by health insurers, it needs legislation to set conditions for privacy, to ensure patients can access their records and to limit which healthcare providers have access. Dentists, for example, would not have access.
Panic
Labour MPs say if the legislation falls short of their demands, the health insurers will have to stop the introduction of the system. Their coalition partners in the Liberal VVD do not support the move. However, they are supported by the Socialists, the anti-immigration PVV and the left-wing liberals D66.
Panic has broken out at the VZVZ, the umbrella group behind the plan, according to the Telegraaf. A lunch was hastily convened for Thursday and all the parties’ health specialists are invited to attend. The VZVZ wants to put right any ‘misunderstandings’.
Previous attempts to introduce digital patient records also collapsed over privacy fears.

Earlier stories

Digital patient record backers reduce doctor payments after protests
Doctors face financial pressure over electronic records plan
New life breathed into digital patient record plan
Digital patient records make come-back, despite senate rejection

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