What is the purpose of the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002?

The Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 serves a critical function in ensuring that personal health information is handled with care and respect. This legislation is designed to regulate the collection, storage, usage, and disclosure of health information within Queensland. It establishes clear guidelines to protect individuals' privacy, allowing them to have ownership over their personal health records. The Act promotes transparency and accountability among healthcare providers by detailing how health information should be managed.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the purpose of the Act. Eliminating health records would undermine the healthcare system’s ability to provide ongoing care and support, which is contrary to the intent of protecting patient information. Providing unrestricted access to health records for researchers would violate privacy principles, as it could lead to misuse of sensitive information without appropriate safeguards. Lastly, while establishing penalties for health practitioners may be necessary for enforcing compliance, the primary focus of the Act is to provide a framework for managing health information rather than simply punitive measures. Thus, option B accurately reflects the core goal of the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.