A health service provider is a person who provides, or claims they are able to provide, a service to a person for the benefit of human health. This includes an administrative service directly related to a health service.
A consumer is the person who uses or receives a health service.
Yes. We can accept complaints from a representative of the consumer. These may include:
Contact us if you need more information.
Yes. It is two years from the date of the incident or when you first became aware of the circumstances that led to the complaint. The Commissioner may accept a complaint outside this time limit. Contact us for more information.
No, we do not refer people to GPs.
If you are having difficulty locating a doctor, you can:
A request to access your medical records is usually required in writing. You should keep a copy of your request. You will need to provide identification and pay a fee if you are requesting a copy of the records.
Access can be declined in some circumstances, such as where giving access would put you or another person at risk. If this happens, the health provider should give reasons for their refusal and let you know which records have not been given.
X-rays performed outside your GPs practice are the property of the patient. If X-rays are taken at the practice, they usually belong to the provider you pay for the providers interpretation of the X-rays, not the X-rays themselves. However, you do have the right to examine your X-rays and have duplicates made at your expense.
Dental X-rays are kept by the provider. They form part of your medical records and are used for identification purposes.
No, we cannot provide legal advice or advocacy services. However we can provide information about advocacy services that are available.
Yes. The Health Complaints Act 1995 contains confidentiality provisions that apply to complaints made to us. Personal information will be used in the management of the complaint, and may be disclosed to the provider or to a relevant registration board. Personal information will be managed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 2004 and you may access it on request.
You have the right to request an internal review. This will involve a senior staff member reviewing the file. If you are still dissatisfied, you can complain to the State Ombudsman.
8.45am to 5pm (Hobart time) weekdays.
Free call from landline phones anywhere in Tasmania, but call charges may apply from a mobile phone.
