Families to gain automatic access to medical records of relatives with developmental disabilities, severe dementia

Family members will soon be able to access the medical records of relatives with developmental disabilities or severe dementia, making it easier to provide care and ensure patient safety.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare on Friday announced a proposed revision to rules governing the personal medical records access support system. Under the revision, the current requirement for families to submit paper documents to view such records will be replaced by an automated verification process through data links between relevant government information systems.

Systems to be newly connected under the revision include the National Health Insurance Service's information system, which will provide data on severe dementia patients eligible for reduced co-payment exemptions; the social security information system, which will confirm developmental disability registrations; the resident registration information system, which will verify proxy and household relationships through documents such as household registration certificates; and a computerized records system that will confirm guardianship and family ties through family relation certificates and guardianship registry documents.

The ministry said the revision is intended to allow family members and legal guardians to access medical records on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and severe dementia through the support system, and that it expects the change to improve public convenience and streamline administrative procedures.