Patient information

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers utilise wireless technology and iPads to record accurate and detailed records of treatment and transportation information for each patient they attend. This record is known as an electronic Ambulance Report Form (eARF). Prior to the introduction of the electronic patient record, a paper-based ambulance report form was completed and retained. QAS maintains a database of patient records in line with the Public Records Act 2002. Generally, the QAS is able to access records dating back to 1 July 1995.

Where a patient is transferred to a hospital, a copy of their eARF is printed on arrival at the receiving hospital and stored securely within the hospital. This is for the primary purpose of hospital staff in administering ongoing treatment and providing continuum of care for their patient.

QAS strictly adheres to the Ambulance Service Act 1991 and the nine National Privacy Principles outlined in the Information Privacy Act 2009 (the IP Act) when collecting, using and disclosing patient information. Our Privacy Plan sets out details of the types of personal information we hold and how we handle information.

Requesting access to patient information

QAS Administrative Access Scheme

QAS patients have a right to apply for access to their own eARFs under the QAS administrative access scheme. This right extends to authorised third parties requesting eARFs on behalf of patients. All requests must be received in writing. No information can be provided verbally unless a written request has been received first.

For all requests, relevant case details must be provided to enable QAS to perform adequate searches:

• name of patient
• date of birth of patient
• address of patient
• date of the incident
• location of the call-out (street address)
• facility the patient was transported to (if applicable).

Evidence of identify must be provided, for example, a copy of one of the following:

• birth certificate
• extract of a birth certificate
• current Australian Passport
• current Queensland or interstate driver licence or learner licence issued by the relevant Department of Transport
• certificate of Naturalisation or Australian Citizenship.

Requests pursuant to an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)

A certified copy of the EPOA and evidence of the representative’s identity (as listed above) must be provided.

Request from a medical practitioner on behalf of a patient

Only a medical practitioner treating the patient may request the patient’s eARF.

The medical practitioner must provide:

• evidence of medical practitioner’s identity and qualification
• signed and current authority from the patient.

Request from Law Firm or Insurance Company

Where a law firm or insurance company requests a patient’s eARF, they must provide:

• evidence of identity and qualification (e.g. letter on practice letterhead)
• signed and current authority from the patient.

Requests can be submitted as follows:

• emailed to QAS.PatientRecords@ambulance.qld.gov.au (preferred)
• made in writing and posted to:

  Patient Records Officer
  Strategy, Governance and Legal Unit
  Queensland Ambulance Service
  Mail Cluster 9.2
  GPO Box 1425
  BRISBANE QLD 4001.

Any queries in relation to requesting patient information should be directed to 07 3635 3371.

Fees

Requests from the patient or their legal representative do not incur a fee.

For all third party requests (e.g. insurance company) there is a fee of $55.00 (as at 1 July 2019) per request. Payment is accepted by cheque (made payable to the Queensland Ambulance Service). If a request is received without payment, an invoice will be issued.

If it is determined that the request cannot be processed under the administrative access scheme, the fee will be refunded.

Requests for deceased patient information

Deceased person’s information may be requested by lodging an application under the Right to Information Act 2009.

Requests for other QAS documentation including Triple Zero (000) Calls

Access to other QAS documents including Triple Zero (000) calls can be requested by lodging an application under the Right to Information Act 2009.

Further information about lodging a compliant Right to Information (RTI) request including online application is available through the Queensland Health website.

Any queries in relation to lodging an RTI application should be directed to the Queensland Health Privacy and RTI Unit on 07 3082 0546.

Subpoenas and other court documents

All requests for giving evidence at court are to be served on the individual officer.

All requests for producing documents (including subpoenas) are to be addressed to:

The Director-General
Queensland Health

Conduct Money is $74.10 (payable to Queensland Ambulance Service)

Served at:

33 Charlotte Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
(Attn: Legal Branch, Level 6)

or

GPO Box 48
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Telephone 07 3082 0547

or

Email to LU_Subpoenas@health.qld.gov.au