The Government has approved the publication of a bill that would provide a legal basis for the establishment of digital health records in Ireland.

The Department of Health says that the bill also contains legal provisions on the sharing of patient data for care and treatment.

It adds that the Health Information Bill 2024 will also support Ireland’s obligations under the European Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS), which will enter into force in autumn 2024.

The bill gives the Health Service Executive (HSE) the power 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.

‘Informed decisions’

Minister Stephen Donnelly said that the measure would also give 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," he added.

The department said that the minister expected to progress the bill through the Oireachtas in the autumn legislative session.