Use of confidential information

Disclosure of confidential information for research

Information that could identify an individual patient or client is protected by legislation in Queensland.

A lawful authority must be identified before the Department, or a HHS can give protected information to researchers. Pathways relevant to research include disclosure:

• with consent of the individual to whom the information relates or a substitute decision maker
• under Part 7 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011, or
• with approval under Chapter 6, Part 4 of the Public Health Act 2005.

The Queensland Health Guideline for Disclosure of Confidential Information for Research (PDF 261 kB) provides further information in relation to legal protection applicable to confidential and personal information, and the pathways available for disclosure.

Applying for confidential information under Chapter 6, Part 4 of the Public Health Act 2005

You may need to make an application under the Public Health Act 2005 if your research uses information that you’re unable to get consent for.

There are different reasons why you may need to apply f or confidential information. For example, if you’re a clinician working for Queensland Health and have access to patient information as part of your clinical role and want to use the information for research.

Without consent from the individual/s to whom the information relates, an application under the Public Health Act 2005 (PHA) offers a legal way for you to apply for the information.

Read our PHA tips for research applications about the release of confidential information.

Before you apply

Read information to help you decide if you need to make an application under the Public Health Act 2005, and what you need to include in your application.

Apply for information

Find out how to apply for information held by Queensland Health or an HHS for research purposes.