Information access without consent: Public Health Act 2005
This information is for researchers seeking access to information or materials held by Pathology Queensland that potentially contains identifiable—or potentially re-identifiable—data. See more about confidential information access.
If you are either a Queensland Health researcher or a non-Queensland Health researcher, have been unable to obtain participant consent, but want to use patient data or samples held by Pathology Queensland, you can make an application under section 280 of the Public Health Act 2005 to seek approval for use from the Director-General of Queensland Health.
How to apply
When applying for access to confidential information under the Public Health Act 2005, the following must occur:
- Email a completed Public Health Act application form (DOCX 564 kB) together with your research proposal and HREC approval letter to Pathology Queensland Client Services at PathQldClients@health.qld.gov.au.
- Supply any additional information to support the application.
- Once the application meets our requirements, the Pathology Queensland Data Custodian will endorse the request and email the signed application to you.
- Email the endorsed application to the Office of Precision Medicine and Research at PHA@health.qld.gov.au along with the HREC approval.
- Download and complete the AUSLAB Data Access Request (DOCX, 250.4 KB) (required for non-Queensland Health persons)
- Submit a copy of the PHA approval letter and the completed AUSLAB Data Access Request to Pathology Queensland Client Services (PathQldClients@health.qld.gov.au).
After requests meet all requirements, confidential information will be released by Pathology Queensland and be made available by secure data transfer.
