-----
This weekly blog is to explore the news around the larger issues
around Digital Health, data security, data privacy, AI / ML. technology, social
media and related matters.
I will also try to highlight ADHA
Propaganda when I come upon it.
Just so we keep count, the latest Notes from the ADHA Board were
dated 6 December, 2018 and we have seen none since! Its pretty sad!
Note: Appearance here is not to suggest I see any credibility or
value in what follows. I will leave it to the reader to decide what is worthwhile
and what is not! The point is to let people know what is being said / published
that I have come upon.
-----
https://developer.digitalhealth.gov.au/aged-care
Aged Care
The
Australian Digital Health Agency is offering healthcare software developers
financial assistance to design new or enhanced My Health Record–related
functionality in clinical information systems and electronic medications
management systems used by residential aged care facilities.
Industry Briefing (Webinar recording)
To listen to the webinar click on the following link:
Australian Digital Health Agency - Aged Care Industry Offer
Briefing - Thursday, 4 November 2021
In the webinar held on the 4th of November, 2021 the following
requirements were outlined:
Details of the webinar:
-----
https://www.innovationaus.com/marise-payne-outlines-nations-red-lines-on-tech/
Marise Payne outlines nation’s ‘red lines’ on tech
Joseph
Brookes
Senior Reporter
19 November 2021
Dangerous
disinformation and “arbitrary incursions on liberties” are the
technology red lines that Australia won’t allow to be crossed, according to
Foreign Affairs minister Marise Payne. On Friday she warned against the
unchecked influence of Big Tech, which she said should have been addressed
“yesterday”.
Speaking
at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Sydney Dialogue on Friday, Ms
Payne warned about the threat of disinformation to Australia and its Asia
Pacific neighbors, particularly in public health areas like vaccines.
Ms
Payne said the federal government was still trying to strike the “balance”
between reigning in big tech and protecting free speech and open marketplaces,
and time was running out to achieve it.
“My
suggestion is we should be starting yesterday, which in fact is what we are
doing in terms of the sorts of conversations and discussions that are being
had,” she said.
-----
https://www.innovationaus.com/nsw-legislates-to-protect-check-in-data-from-police/
NSW legislates to protect check in data from police
Joseph
Brookes
Senior Reporter
15 November 2021
A
government bill banning New South Wales police from accessing
COVID-19 check in data is expected to become law this week, after passing the
Upper House with bipartisan support and being endorsed by the state’s privacy
watchdog.
It
comes in the absence of a national approach and follows incidents of state
police accessing the check in data for investigations not related to the
pandemic.
Police
have sought to access check in app data in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland, sparking warnings from experts about
scope creep, privacy infringements, and the undermining of trust in public
health.
Western
Australia and the Australian Capital Territory governments have now made it illegal for police to access the
data collected by check-in apps. Victoria’s protection of check in
data is included in the state’s new pandemic
bill, which is set for debate this week and has been met with public
protests about its wider powers.
-----
https://digitalhealth.org.au/blog/strategic-think-tank-delivering-now-building-for-the-future/
Strategic Think Tank: Delivering now, building for the
future
Nov 19, 2021
| Advocacy, Community
Chats, Digital
Health, Events,
Innovation,
Surveys
The
Institute’s Fellows and Associate Fellows are the Who’s Who of digital health
and health informatics in Australasia renowned for their national and global
experience and perspectives on the future of healthcare.
Help
us shape the AIDH 2022 agenda for advocacy and leadership in healthcare by
joining this strategic think tank for senior leaders.
In
the post pandemic environment, there are numerous opportunities and challenges
where the Institute could take a role.
Bring
your opinions and share your insights with your peers and the AIDH leadership
team in this targeted consultation event.
-----
https://www.zdnet.com/article/nsw-government-wants-facial-matching-and-verifiable-credential-tools-for-digital-identity-rollout/
NSW government wants facial matching and verifiable
credential tools for digital ID rollout
The state
wants to give customers the option to apply or renew a licence or certificate
without needing to be present in person.
By Campbell Kwan |
November 18, 2021 | Topic: Innovation
The NSW
government has announced it is working on a new whole-of-government approach
towards digital identity aimed at giving customers the option to use digital
credentials for various licences, certifications, qualifications, and
eligibility documents.
Alongside the
government's aspiration to roll out this approach, it has also expressed
interest in procuring two new digital identity systems: One to deliver digital
proof of identity and the other for digital identity sharing.
The NSW
government envisions that the first system will have features such as facial
matching and liveness detection to allow customers to easily provide their
identity digitally for use cases such as renewing a licence or certificate.
"Imagine
if you could also use your Service NSW app to prove your identity online and
apply for or renew a licence or a certificate, such as a First Aid or Birth
Certificate, with a few simple clicks anytime anywhere, without the need to be
present in person?" the government said.
-----
https://www.seek.com.au/job/55018784?type=standout
Digital Health Lead
Adelaide Primary Health Network Limited
Adelaide
Full
Time or Part Time (minimum 0.8FTE) – 12 month fixed term
Adelaide
PHN is seeking an experienced Digital Health Lead to support our team
of Digital Health Officers and Practice Support Team to implement the Australian
Digital Health Agency Workplan 21/22 within our Adelaide PHN region. This
newly created role will work within our Strategy and Engagement portfolio and
is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, innovative, creative and
passionate professional to support the digital capabilities of our Primary
Health Care Providers. This role is for a 12 month fixed term.
About
Us
Adelaide
Primary Health Network (Adelaide PHN) is an independent, not for profit,
primary health care organisation based in Adelaide.
We
aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the Adelaide community by
coordinating and integrating health and community services and by working in
partnership to identify local needs and create strategies in response to keep
people well and out of hospital; improving their experience AND their health
outcomes – to deliver on our vision of A Healthier Adelaide by 2030.
-----
https://www.innovationaus.com/deeply-concerned-victorias-new-no-consent-health-data-sharing-scheme/
‘Deeply concerned’: Victoria’s new no-consent health
data sharing scheme
Denham
Sadler
National Affairs Editor
18 November 2021
There
are “serious concerns” over the Victorian government’s
“unprecedented plan” to establish a centralised health data sharing system
which would store information such as prescribed medications and hospital
admissions, with no ability for individuals to opt-out.
The
state government is planning to improve information sharing between health
services through the creation of a new digital database and the involuntary
collection of individual health data, in an effort to combat the currently
fragmented patient health information system.
But
the scheme has been criticised by the likes of the Australian Privacy
Foundation, Liberty Victoria and the Australian Doctors Federation for its lack
of consent required, potential for the database to become a “honeypot” for
hackers, and that it could jeopardise doctor-patient confidentiality.
The
Victorian budget in May included a commitment to reform and consolidate public
pathology services in the state, including through improvements to laboratory
information systems. This would include the creation of a health information
exchange to be hosted and supported by the state health department – a
centrally hosted solution in the cloud environment that is “highly available,
scalable and reliable”.
-----
https://marketplace.service.gov.au/2/digital-marketplace/opportunities/17444
Operational Service Officer - APS5
Opportunity ID 17444
Deadline for asking questions Friday
19 November 2021 at 6pm (in Canberra)
Application closing date Tuesday
23 November 2021 at 6pm (in Canberra)
Published Thursday 18 November
2021
Category Support and Operations
Overview
Reporting to
the Director, Customer Support, this position is responsible for providing
operational oversight and governance of consumer support operations through
provision of effective knowledge and training tools for escalations case work,
allocating time-sensitive work tasks, monitoring and reporting on team
activities, researching and responding to feedback and complaints, and
reviewing requests, recommendations and decisions regarding access to My Health
Records. It also provides expert knowledge, guidance and advice to other teams
within the Agency
-----
https://www.innovationaus.com/critical-technologies-under-a-national-security-spotlight/
Critical technologies under a national security
spotlight
Denham
Sadler
National Affairs Editor
17 November 2021
Quantum
computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity services and
autonomous vehicles will come under increased government scrutiny, particularly
around foreign interference, as part of the federal government’s new critical
technologies framework and action plan.
Prime
Minister Scott Morrison announced the strategy at the inaugural Sydney Dialogue
event, run by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), on Wednesday
morning.
The
blueprint “aims to balance the economic opportunities of critical technologies
with their national security risk”.
“Nations
at the leading edge of technology have greater economic, political and military
power. And in turn greater capacity to influence the norms and values that will
shape technology development in the years to come,” Mr Morrison said in the
speech.
-----
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e8a7ae3b-cb34-4ba4-9adb-9d13b8a92de1
Online Privacy Code: more transparency and minimum
privacy standards for digital platforms
Herbert
Smith Freehills LLP - Kaman Tsoi, Marine Giral and Nayan Bhathela
Australia November 15 2021
On 25
October 2021, the Australian Attorney-General’s department released, for public
consultation, an exposure draft bill introducing amendments to the Privacy
Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Online
Privacy and Other Measures) Bill 2021 (Cth) or Online Privacy Bill) and a
discussion paper seeking submissions on broader reforms to Australian privacy
legislation. Our overview of the Online Privacy Bill and discussion paper
is available here.
One
of the main amendments proposed by the Online Privacy Bill is the introduction
of a framework allowing the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
to register an OAIC- or industry-developed, enforceable online privacy code (OP
code) that would be binding on all large online platforms,
social media services and data brokerage services providers (OP
organisations). This would supplement the current
provisions under Part IIIB of the Privacy Act dealing with the development and
registration of, and compliance with, APP codes that set out how one or more of
the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) will apply to a particular entity or
class of entities (and may impose additional requirements).
As
detailed further below, large online platforms and social media services are
broadly defined in the Online Privacy Bill. This means a wide range of
organisations with online operations could be affected by the proposed OP code,
going beyond the ACCC’s recommendation in its 2019 digital platform inquiry
final report to create a privacy code enforceable against social media
platforms, search engines and other digital content aggregation platforms.
Along
with the removal by the Bill of the condition that a foreign organisation has
to collect or hold personal information in Australia to be subject to the
Privacy Act, this would also include an organisation that collects personal
information of Australians from a digital platform that does not have servers
in Australia.
-----
https://wildhealth.net.au/the-personal-health-data-revolution-will-be-televised/
18 November
2021
The personal health data revolution will be televised
Big Data Technology
By Fran Molloy
They watch
you while you sleep – and though it’s a bit on the creepy side, sleep tracking
is now a signature feature of today’s smartwatches.
Various
watches from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit and others also promise to count
your steps, measure your run, log your pool laps, and record your heart rate.
Some even calculate
blood oxygen levels, run an ECG and alert
users to an irregular cardiac rhythm.
The
smartwatch revolution has brought the masses to the formerly-niche navel-gazing
habits of devotees of the Quantified
Self movement, an international group heavily into self-tracking tools that
held its first conference in California
in 2010.
We’re at the
brink of a personal health information revolution, where endless terabytes can
be available in real-time – could this be a game changer for primary health
carers?
GP and
digital health consultant Dr Amandeep Hansra says it’s pretty exciting to think
that there’s such rich information that could help her understand her patients’
health better than short point-in-time measurements of health indicators during
a clinical consultation.
-----
https://wildhealth.net.au/the-jigs-up-its-cloud-or-bust-govt-admits-to-vendors/
18 November
2021
The jig’s up: it’s cloud or bust, govt admits to
vendors
Cloud Government
Technology
By Jeremy Knibbs
In a meeting
of the MSIA yesterday, the government laid down the law for the next decade of
digital health, and that law is “the cloud”.
Sometimes
it’s hard to spot when the technology and infrastructure of a particular market
reaches its tipping point of transformational change … exactly where
significant and meaningful changes began.
In 10 years’
time, when we look back and try to figure out where the moment of change really
became clear for those working within Australian digital health, yesterday
morning’s conference call between the members of the Medical Software Industry
of Australia (MSIA) and Daniel McCabe, First Assistant Secretary, Benefits
Integrity and Digital Health at the Department of Health, might be seen as that
major point of inflection.
The
inflection is a shift from server bound on premises legacy software systems,
which currently dominate most of the countries digital health infrastructure,
especially in primary, specialist and allied care, to “cloud based” systems.
According to
some attendees of the meeting, McCabe, who is moving swiftly and with some
precision, probably could not have made it clearer to all our major digital
health vendors that if they haven’t already started embracing the cloud in a
big way, they had better start soon, because that is entirely where the
government sees the future of Australian digital health infrastructure.
-----
https://marketplace.service.gov.au/2/digital-marketplace/opportunities/17435
Customer Support Officer
Opportunity ID 17435
Deadline for asking questions Friday
19 November 2021 at 6pm (in Canberra)
Application closing date Tuesday
23 November 2021 at 6pm (in Canberra)
Published Wednesday 17 November
2021
Category Support and Operations
Overview
• Sound
research and analysis skills, including use of: legislation, internal
processes, consumer records and transactions, and information provided by
consumers (in writing or during telephone interactions). • Strong attention to
detail and ability to complete tickets and reproduce or record incident
inspection and investigation data with accuracy. • Strong written and oral
communication skills, and ability to discuss complex or technical concepts with
consumers and internal teams. • Capable of completing work with limited
direction, and willingness to assist colleagues when suitable. • Time
management skills, including ability to complete tickets within defined
timeframes, and monitor assigned and aged cases to prevent breaching service
agreements and mitigate consumer impact. • Sound technical literacy and
competency using a range of software products. • High level of resilience and
ability to work in an environment which handles sensitive and confidential
information (including outcomes of legal matters
-----
https://www.itwire.com/guest-articles/guest-opinion/why-australian-hospitals-are-turning-to-ip-networks-to-power-their-operating-rooms.html
Wednesday, 17 November 2021 10:27
Why Australian hospitals are turning to IP networks to
power their operating rooms
By Claudio
Cardile
GUEST OPINION
by Claudio Cardile, ANZ Managing Director, Barco: As healthcare
technology has evolved in recent years, hospital operating rooms have changed
beyond recognition. Everything from scanners and probes to cameras and visual
monitors have shifted from an analogue to a digital realm.
Much of this
equipment needs to be interconnected to allow medical staff to access the
information they require to complete the often-complex tasks needed for patient
treatment. Traditionally, this interconnectivity has been achieved by using
dedicated - and often proprietary - networking equipment.
This is not
ideal in operating rooms that typically have multiple audio-visual (AV) sources
including MRI’s, CT scanners, Cath/Vascular labs and C-arm units. Routing and
displaying these multiple video sources, simultaneously, in high definition can
create challenges.
Traditional
copper cable-based AV systems have been used for many years to integrate
sources, however they add delays to the system and increase cable clutter.
-----
https://www.afr.com/companies/healthcare-and-fitness/ex-mi6-analyst-breathes-life-into-digital-health-universe-20211101-p594v1
Ex-MI6 analyst breathes life into digital health
universe
Terry Sweeney
was shot while working for British intelligence. He pivoted into technology.
Now he helps spearhead Australia’s nascent digital health sector.
Carrie LaFrenz Senior reporter
Nov 16, 2021
– 4.45pm
Terry
Sweeney’s life-changing moment is clear as day.
He
was shot in the lower abdomen in early 1999 while working as an analyst for
MI6, embedded with an active British military unit in the former Yugoslavia.
At
that moment Sweeney decided to exit the intelligence agency after three years
and move back to his first love: technology.
“This
was right when Y2K was around, and a lot of my friends were working in tech,
and making good money and not getting shot,” he told The
Australian Financial Review.
-----
https://marketplace.service.gov.au/2/digital-marketplace/opportunities/17399
Australian Digital Health Agency
Senior Cyber Security Architect
Opportunity ID 17399
Deadline for asking questions Thursday
18 November 2021 at 6pm (in Canberra)
Application closing date Monday
22 November 2021 at 6pm (in Canberra)
Published Tuesday 16 November
2021
Category
Cyber
security
Overview
The Senior Cyber
Security Architect provides security advice into the design, build and test of
the Agency’s corporate and digital health systems to protect the
confidentiality, integrity and availability of all information assets. The
senior cyber security architect will work alongside a dynamic team of
professionals to collaboratively achieve the Agency’s business objectives. The
role will be dedicated to the Mobile Consumer Application Channel project. The
Senior Cyber Security Architect will provide a wide range of experience,
knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to: Contribute to the
development and maintenance of the security architecture for the Agency’s
systems and services. Assist with defining and maintaining ‘standard patterns’
that are aligned with the Agency’s Security Architecture and provide secure
solutions to common design problems. Identify and incorporate appropriate
security measures in the development of ICT projects and the information
security program. Develop, maintain and review requirements, solution design
documentation, test documentation, technical specifications, security
documentation, standard operating procedures and other documentation related to
large Information Communications Technology (ICT) systems. Participate in the selection
of appropriate strategies to mitigate security risks. Support the Certification
and Accreditation of Agency systems. Contribute to security assessment and
compliance activities, such as IRAP assessments, security testing, and Threat
and Risk Assessments. Support the procurement of security related products and
services as directed by senior team members. Support the delivery of security
products and services by external providers. Prepare and deliver presentations,
minutes, briefing papers, guidance and advice for stakeholders at, business and
technical levels. Follow all Agency policies, procedures and instructions and
take reasonable care for your own health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace
-----
https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/congratulations-to-the-2021-brilliant-women-in-digital-health/
Congratulations to the 2021 Brilliant Women in Digital
Health
Telstra
Health has announced the successful recipients of the inaugural 2021 Brilliant
Women in Digital Health awards, which recognises and celebrates women in
digital health for their outstanding achievements, while raising awareness
about the opportunities in the sector and inspiring others to follow their
lead.
The
25 award recipients, plus the recipients of a team award, have been recognised
for their contributions to mentoring, medical research, technology development,
improving health outcomes using digital health, and introducing new digital
processes for the delivery of health and aged care. The award recipients work
across a range of organisations at the forefront of digital health, from public
and private sectors, to universities and research institutions, and at
innovative new start-ups.
Professor
Mary Foley AM, Managing Director of Telstra Health, said: “These
awards recognise the outstanding impact these women have made in
contributing to the digital health sector in Australia.
“I’d
like to thank each award recipient, as well as every person nominated for the
2021 awards, for your contributions and impact made in digital health. In
addition, thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination for
someone else. It’s often the case that women do not seek to promote their
successes, so through these awards we have been able to highlight the
achievements of many who may otherwise would go unacknowledged.
-----
https://www.smh.com.au/national/trolls-face-111-000-penalties-for-sharing-intimate-images-as-online-regulator-gets-new-powers-20211115-p59929.html
Trolls face $111,000 penalties for sharing intimate
images as online regulator gets new powers
November 17, 2021 — 12.01am
The
nation’s eSafety Commissioner says she will use “all available powers” to keep
Australians safe online as her office prepares for the rollout in January of
tougher laws to tackle internet trolls sharing intimate images without a
person’s consent.
From
January 23, a suite of new powers under the Online Safety Act take effect,
including a beefed-up regulatory regime for tackling image-based abuse. The
regime also extends to images that appear to be of a person, capturing
so-called deep fakes that have been doctored to use another person’s face or
body.
On
Wednesday, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will deliver a speech to the
Australian Cyber Conference setting out her regulatory priorities under the new
laws, which also include a world-first adult cyber abuse scheme.
The
new laws include “expanded powers to better protect all Australians across all
platforms where this harm is occurring, including video gaming platforms,
dating websites, and encrypted private messaging apps”.
-----
https://audioboom.com/posts/7980711-dr-steve-hambleton-australian-digital-health-agency-s-chief-clinical-adviser
Dr Steve Hambleton, Australian Digital Health Agency’s
Chief Clinical Adviser
Podcast - Nov 16, 11:08 AM
ADHA Propaganda
0:00 - 11:25
Dr Steve
Hambleton, Australian Digital Health Agency’s Chief Clinical Adviser
-----
https://www.consultancy.com.au/news/4367/health-and-public-policy-consultancy-siggins-miller-joins-deloitte
Health and public policy consultancy Siggins Miller
joins Deloitte
15 November
2021 Consultancy.com.au 2 min. read
Profile
·
Deloitte
The
health and human services practice of professional services firm Deloitte has
brought on board influential healthcare and public policy consultancy Siggins
Miller.
Founded
close to 25 years ago, Siggins Miller is a consulting
firm recognised for its influence on national health legislation,
including work on pregnancy warnings on alcohol and plain tobacco packaging.
Siggins
Miller was founded in 1997 by Mel Miller, who also serves as an adjunct
professor in the Health and Behavioural Sciences faculty at the University of
Queensland and professor in the Health Group at Griffith University, and her
late husband Ian Siggins, an internationally recognised historian and human
rights advocate who held a number of senior Australian public healthcare roles.
“I
am thrilled Mel Miller, and the Siggins Miller team are joining Deloitte,” said
Financial Advisory managing partner Dave McCarthy. “(They) have influenced some
of the most important health and social policies of our time. Tobacco Plain
Packaging policy. The My Health Record system. Compulsory pregnancy warning on
alcohol. Big thinkers, scholarly and commercial. A brilliant team.”
-----
https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/careers/project-officer-november21
Project Officer
APS6
($99,860 - $112,659)
Multiple
divisions > Project Management
Brisbane,
Canberra, Sydney
Closing - 28
Nov 2021
Division Overview
Digital
programs and engagement – responsible for external
relationships, implementation and change and adoption, as well as being the
place of excellence for driving program delivery, reporting and outcomes.
Technology
services – responsible for the operation of high quality,
trusted, reliable and secure national digital health infrastructure and health
support systems.
Primary purpose of position
Working
within the Agency’s project management policies, framework and procedures, an
APS6 Project Officer will provide initiative and judgment in the application of
project and operations management practices and provide technical,
professional, and policy advice. Working closing with key external and internal
stakeholders to understand, negotiate and resolve project outcomes. A Project
Officer is accountable for:
- Acquiring, maintaining and applying
an in-depth knowledge of the Agency’s project management framework,
methodologies and activities.
- Providing accurate and specialised
advice for project related activities including consultation, planning,
schedules, reporting, change control, and administrative and logistical
support.
- Engaging and collaborating with key
internal and external stakeholders to achieve project outcomes.
- Providing support to ensure an
Agency’s project and operations are compliant with the assurance and
governance processes for policy, security, clinical safety, and design.
- Managing contracts, service
agreements and purchase orders and ensure expenditure is monitored.
- Undertaking risk management
activities for area of responsibility, ensuring compliance and delivery of
outcomes.
- Monitoring and maintaining awareness
of the mid and longer-term project outcomes.
-----
https://www.ausdoc.com.au/practice/heres-lowdown-vaccine-passports-aus
Here's the lowdown on vaccine passports in Aus
As borders
begin to open, authorities have started issuing vaccine passports, but how do they
work, and are they secure?
15th November
2021
By Antony Scholefield
The
era of vaccine passports has begun in Australia, with two states releasing
smartphone apps so people can quickly prove they’re double-vaxxed against
COVID-19.
Only
a few months ago, the Federal Government was touting the fact that the Medicare
app could work as a vaccine passport.
But
it copped criticism because the certificates were basically PDF documents that
could be forged in about 15 minutes.
So,
the NSW and Victorian governments have developed their own versions.
-----
https://developer.digitalhealth.gov.au/resources/faqs/national-secure-messaging-network-faqs
National Secure Messaging Network - FAQs
General
- How can we learn more about the NSMN and how our solution can
participate in it?
The Resources section of the National Secure Messaging
Network web page contains more information.
NSMN solution design
How does a Sending System determine if a
Receiving System supports secure messaging?
Before sending a secure message, the Sending System must check whether the
Receiving System is able to receive a secure message generated by the Sending
System. There are three steps involved, using information about the Receiving
System retrieved from a Provider Directory:
(1) Check that the Receiving System has an Endpoint (https://hl7.org.au/fhir/pd/pd2/StructureDefinition-au-pd-sm-endpoint.html)
(2) Check that the Endpoint.connectionType has the following value: http://ns.electronichealth.net.au/smd/intf/SealedMessageDelivery/TLS/2010.
(3) Check whether the Endpoint.payloadType contains the payload type that the
sending system intends to send. For example, if the Sending System intends to
send an MDM-T02 message containing a referral, the sending system should
confirm that the Endpoint supports the following payload type: http://ns.electronichealth.net.au/er/sc/deliver/hl7Mdm/2012.
-----
David.