Queensland Health employees: Access under the Hospital and Health Boards (HHB) Act

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 a Queensland Health employee who wishes to conduct an audit or quality assurance activity—but you have been unable to gain patient consent for use of identifiable or potentially re-identifiable patient data or samples—you can apply for access. This is done by seeking approval from the Pathology Queensland Data Custodian by making an application under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.

Section 150 of the Hospital and Health Boards (HHB) Act provides that a 'designated person' may disclose 'confidential information' to another 'designated person' if the disclosure is for the purpose of 'evaluating, managing, monitoring or planning health services'.

How to apply

To apply for access to confidential information under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 as a Queensland Health employee you must:

  1. Email a completed Pathology Queensland data custodian checklist (DOCX, 245.6 KB) to Pathology Queensland Client Services at PathQldClients@health.qld.gov.au.
  2. Supply any additional information requested to support your request.
  3. If your request meets requirements, the Pathology Queensland Data Custodian will endorse the checklist and a signed copy will be emailed to you.
  4. Once approval is obtained, contact PathQldClients@health.qld.gov.au for the release of data/material.

After requests meet all requirements, confidential information will be released by Pathology Queensland and be made available by secure data transfer.

Last updated: 7 March 2023