Electronic Patient Records (Continuity of Care) Bill

Key Points

• Gives patients ownership of and direct access to their electronic patient records.
• Requires healthcare professionals to maintain and share electronic patient records as part of care plans.
• Aims to improve continuity and coordination of care across providers.
• Encourages interoperability and standardised sharing of records, with privacy and data protection considerations.
• Applies to NHS and other care providers; implications for IT systems and workflows.

Progress

Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons, MPs are debating the general principles. If supported, it would move to detailed examination in committee.