Iceland’s Health Care Centre Limits Access to Medical Records for Multiple Organizations

Iceland’s Health Care System Restricts Access to Medical Records

The Health Care Centre in the Reykjavík area has terminated access to medical records for three organizations and is considering doing the same with the Directorate of Labour. Access for the Transport Authority has already been revoked following a ruling from the Data Protection Authority.

The Data Protection Authority issued a decision today in response to a complaint against the Transport Authority’s handling of sensitive personal information. The Authority agreed with the complainant, determining that the existing agreement between the Transport Authority and the Health Care Centre did not comply with laws and regulations.

The Transport Authority legally requires a process to assess the competence of those operating vehicles. Following the ruling, Sigríður Dóra Magnúsdóttir, the director of the Health Care Centre, annulled the contract with the Transport Authority.

Sigríður stated that they respond promptly whenever they receive notice from the health superintendent. The ruling impacts other contracts as well; similar agreements with two additional organizations have already been annulled.

Additionally, contracts with the Flight Medical Centre, which provides health certificates for pilots, have also been terminated, leading to a closure of their access to medical records.

The Health Care Centre is currently considering whether to restrict access for the Directorate of Labour as well. Sigríður mentioned they are collaborating with the Directorate regarding health services for asylum seekers and immigrants, and they plan to address and resolve the matter promptly, either today or in the coming days.