THE Australian Government is reminding health professionals to securely store and dispose of prescriptions and patient information, following reports of criminal activity targeting discarded documents that contain patient information.

Prescriptions and health records improperly disposed of in general waste or recycling bins have been linked to cases of fraud, including identity theft leading to criminalactivity.

The Government is encouraging health professionals, including pharmacists and medical practitioners, to be vigilant and ensure their privacy and information-handling practices are up to date and compliant with national legislation.

“Under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, health professionals must take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss and unauthorised access,” said a spokesperson from the Health Professionals Compliance branch of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

“When the information is no longer required, it must be securely destroyed or de-identified.

“Pharmacies are also subject to the National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Regulations 2017, which requires PBS prescriptions be retained for at least two years from the date of supply,” they continued.

“After this period, prescriptions must be disposed of securely, not in general waste or recycling bins.”

Best practice tips include storing paper prescriptions securely, in a locked cabinet for example; using a shredder or professional document destruction service to dispose of them when no longer needed; and ensuring staff understand privacy obligations.

“Safeguarding patient privacy extends beyond clinical care,” the spokesperson said.

“Proper handling and secure disposal of prescriptions and health records play a crucial role in protecting individuals and maintaining public trust in the healthcare system,” they concluded.

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