Privacy and Confidentiality

Clinical genetics records are kept within the regional genetic service and remain separate from the main hospital notes. However, summary letters following a genetics consultation will usually be sent to referring clinicians. The summary letters will be held on the hospital electronic database and may be filed within the patient’s hospital notes or GP records.

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The usual rules of medical confidentiality and New Zealand privacy laws apply to genetics records as with other medical records.

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If medical records of family members are required to aid with diagnostic assessments, consent is sought from that relative. Clinical genetics records are not released to other parties unless explicit consent from the patient is obtained.