Individuals can choose to withhold their data from being shared through the National Health Insurance program
Taiwanese Residents Given Control Over Use of National Health Insurance Data
In a significant move towards data privacy and protection, the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) of Taiwan has announced that individuals can now opt out of sharing their National Health Insurance (NHI) data for academic or research purposes. This development comes following a Constitutional Court ruling in August 2022, which mandated amendments to provide individuals with the right to control the use of their NHI data.
How to Opt Out
Individuals can exercise this newfound control by applying via the NHI App, a mobile application developed by the NHIA, or by visiting any NHIA regional office. The opt-out option applies to four categories of data: insurance enrollment records, medical service records, medical imaging and pathology reports, and testing and examination data.
Data Security and Privacy Protection
The NHIA has emphasized maintaining the integrity of the NHI database while strengthening personal data protection measures. All secondary uses of NHI data must undergo a review and approval process by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the competent authority. Access to data is limited to designated facilities that use independent storage and computing equipment, ensuring personal data protection.
Data Categories for Opt-Out
The data categories available for opt-out include insurance enrollment records, medical service records, medical imaging and pathology reports, and testing and examination data.
Processing Time
The processing time for opt-out requests is approximately five working days, with the changes taking effect from the effective date of the opt-out onward.
Legal Background
The guidelines for opting out of data use for research purposes were released by the NHIA as the legislature failed to complete its review of the draft before the deadline. The draft act to manage NHI data, which includes regulations allowing people to opt out of data sharing, was approved by the Executive Yuan in May.
Data Availability
It's important to note that data about rare cases are not available, and only statistical results may be accessed. Additionally, NHI data can only be accessed in specified locations.
Impact of NHI Data
NHI data have been instrumental in numerous academic research projects, with over 9,000 articles published in domestic and international journals. Furthermore, NHI data have helped many graduate students obtain their degrees.
Protecting Individual Rights
The change in policy is designed to protect people's rights while the act is reviewed. Personal information is de-identified in NHI data to ensure privacy safeguards. Access to NHI data requires approval from institutional review boards and relevant authorities.
Application Process
People can apply to opt out of having their data used for academic research at any regional NHIA office or through the NHI app, according to NHIA official Yu Hui-chen. The NHIA will complete the approval process for opt-out requests within 30 days of receiving the application.
Timeline
The Constitutional Court judgement required that laws be updated within three years, but it is not specified when the updated laws will be in effect. The guidelines were put in place to protect people's rights while the act is reviewed.
In conclusion, this framework provides individuals with control over their data and ensures privacy safeguards for research use of Taiwan's NHI information. Government agencies, administrative corporations, medical institutions, academic research institutions, universities, and other institutions commissioned by the government can apply to use NHI data, subject to the approval process and data protection measures.
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