A question in regards of sharing medical notes to a family member - GDPR

#1 · 12-05-2025 11:10AM #1

Hi,

Just wondering under what circumstances I can share medical notes to a family member from a patient.

What requests do I need to comply before doing so?

Thanks

miamee · 12-05-2025 11:15AM

You really should be asking your superior in whatever environment you work in, not the internet. I'd imagine you cannot share anything without the explicit consent of the patient but there may be exceptions to that.

Penn · 12-05-2025 02:38PM

Yeah it's kind of worrying that a) you don't know, b) you're asking us instead of your colleagues/bosses, and c) there isn't already a policy in place.

This relates to medical notes. There are a huge amount of variables and legalities involved in this. An internet forum is not the right place to be looking for this info.

Kalimocho · 12-05-2025 03:44PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123440831#Comment_123440831

Thanks for your feedback but you are assuming too much. There is a thread of "legal discussion" on this forum therefore means… legal things can be discussed.

Rmgblue · 12-05-2025 03:53PM

I read this as a query relating to someone else (doc) sharing a patients (OP) notes with their relative (another)?

Raichų · 12-05-2025 03:57PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123441047#Comment_123441047

not anymore, now this forum is:

“accuse new users of being trolls and do everything but discuss the question asked”

Flinty997 · 12-05-2025 05:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058409754/a-question-in-regards-of-sharing-medical-notes-to-a-family-member-gdpr

I assume You can't unless you've got permission from the patient.

Family members might not be close or might be in dispute with each other.

You might even cause financial loss due example by disclosing information.

Lenar3556 · 12-05-2025 08:31PM

It would be helpful if you outlined your own role in the scenario you describe, and also why the need exists to share the records with a third party?

But in general terms, it would be wise to maintain any personal information you possess confidential unless you have the explicit consent of the individual(s) concerned to disclose it.

odyssey06 · 12-05-2025 08:37PM

A lot of good information here, including Power of Attorney access e.g.

If in doubt, the answer is no. Access is only provided in very limited circumstances.

How can I get my child’s records?

You will have to show that you are the parent or guardian of the child in question. The child’s consent may also be necessary even if the child is under the age of 18 if they have the capacity to consent. The record keeper must have regard as to whether the disclosure of the records is in the best interests of the child.

If there is a power of attorney, can my attorney access my medical records?

That depends on the nature of the power of attorney. If the power of attorney gives your attorney power to access and copy your medical records, then they will be disclosed to your attorney. The health professional concerned will likely ask for sight of the power of attorney. The same rules that would have applied to you re such disclosure, will apply to your attorney.

https://kearneylaw.ie/accessing-your-medical-records/

Peregrinus · 13-05-2025 01:30AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058409754/a-question-in-regards-of-sharing-medical-notes-to-a-family-member-gdpr

Who is "I" in this context? How come "I" has the medical notes in the first place? What does "I" have the medical notes for? And why is "I" considering sharing them with someone other than the patient?

Penn · 13-05-2025 08:10AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123441047#Comment_123441047

Yes but this isn't a simple GDPR request. You're talking about sharing medical notes to a family member of a patient. There are significant legalities and variables/caveats involved in that which need to be taken into consideration, which you have not outlined, and if you are in a position where you are dealing with this there should already be a framework in place that you're supposed to follow.

And also, while legal things can be "discussed", the wording of your post verges more towards seeking legal "advice", which is not permitted on Boards.

Cookie_Monster · 13-05-2025 09:29AM

I would assume that unless the family member has EPOA for the patient you cannot share medical information without express consent from the patient.

Flinty997 · 13-05-2025 09:46AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123441047#Comment_123441047

It needs context. You haven't given any. Thus all answers might be flawed because of the lack of context.

As a general rule you can't share an adult person's record with anyone. Family is irrelevant.

A question in regards of sharing medical notes to a family member - GDPR

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