Telehealth Services Set for New My Health Record Rules by 2027

Telehealth Services Set for New My Health Record Rules by 2027

11 Jun 2026

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has launched a consultation this month to gather feedback on the proposed reforms. It says online prescribing has become a common part of healthcare in Australia and needs stronger information-sharing rules to support safer care.

The proposal would require telehealth-only services to upload details of prescribed and dispensed medicines to My Health Record by default, even if Medicare funding is not involved. The consultation does not include services that combine face-to-face care with online appointments.

The Government is seeking views from consumers, healthcare providers, organisations and medicines safety experts, including feedback on how the changes may affect clinical decision-making, workflows and patient care.

Health Minister Mark Butler previously said the reforms aim to ensure patients, doctors and pharmacists have a full record of a person’s medicines history, especially in online care settings where providers may not always see patients in person.

Concerns highlighted in the consultation include safety risks when prescribers do not have complete access to a patient’s medical history, particularly in more fragmented models of care.

The RACGP is preparing a submission to the consultation. GP Dr David Adam said the College supports improved safety but stressed that telehealth should not replace in-person care.

He said GPs are already seeing challenges when patients receive medicines through online-only services without clear communication back to their usual doctor.

The proposed reforms will focus on prescription medicines such as antibiotics, contraceptives, opioids, psychostimulants and medicinal cannabis. Over-the-counter medicines will not be included in the mandatory reporting rules.

The Government estimates hundreds of thousands of Australians experience medication-related harm each year, with many cases considered preventable, costing the health system around $1.4 billion annually.

The consultation is open until 7 July, with the Government expecting to finalise legislation by the end of the year.

Telehealth Services Set for New My Health Record Rules by 2027

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

 
 
 

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