ACC should not sell health information -- NZMA

Under no circumstances should ACC sell patient records to employers, the NZMA says.

The media has reported that a private company has proposed to buy ACC records so it can sell them to employers wanting to carry out checks on potential employees.

"Selling the health information in this way would be a complete breach of patients' right to privacy. We are appalled that ACC would even consider doing this," NZMA Chairman Dr Pippa MacKay said.

"The NZMA calls on ACC to state unequivocally that it will not sell the information."

Dr MacKay said it was not good enough for ACC to say it will only sell patient information with the consent of the person involved.

"Such an approach leads to a slippery slope, where all private personal information is up for grabs. If the practice became widespread, it would become difficult for people to refuse to give permission, particularly where they are keen to get a job.

"For some jobs, such as pilots, it is essential that a person's health is taken into account. A doctor's examination and check should be adequate in these cases. "The NZMA challenges ACC to come clean on this issue, and state that it will not sell private health information," Dr MacKay said.

ENDS

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