Data Privacy Regulations in India and Their Impact on Electronic Medical Records

Book Title: Personal Data Protection in Digital Age: Issues and Challenges

Editor:  Dr. Ananya Rahul Bibave

Associate Editor: Dr. Sunita Mane Saware

ISBN:  978-81-970102-6-2

Chapter: 14

DOI:   https://doi.org/10.59646/dataprotectionC14/125

Author: Aastha Koushal,  Assistant Professor, PES Modern Law College, Pune, Maharashtra 411016, India.

Abstract:

Electronic Medical Records have transformed healthcare by the way the patient information is stored, accessed and utilized. Digital repositories are centralized databases that contain Comprehensive patient data such as medical histories, Diagnosis, medications, treatment plans, lab results and imaging reports. These Electronic Medical Records provide healthcare providers with secure access to crucial information from various locations. This accessibility enhances care delivery and empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions smoothly and efficiently. EMRs play a significant role in enhancing patient safety by minimizing errors connected with scribbling and in complete health records common in pen-paper-based systems. These EMR systems elevate the quality of patient care and alert healthcare providers about the specific/special needs of patients. Moreover, these EMR systems facilitate seamless data exchange between healthcare facilities, ensuring patient care who visit multiple providers, contribute to research, population health management etc. Switching from offline records to EMR is cost-effective and more efficient and also aligns with sustainability goals by eliminating paper usage and administrative burden.