Information in medical records constitutes health data, which is classified as sensitive personal data. Strict rules therefore apply, both under legislation on medical records and data protection laws. It is essential to ensure the security of this information and to make sure it is properly safeguarded and not accessible to unauthorized parties.

The medical record system offers several options for registering next of kin, and patients can choose how—and whether—their relatives are recorded. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of these different types of registrations and to only share information with relatives either with the patient’s consent or in accordance with the recorded preferences. This may include, for example, a designated next of kin to be contacted in emergencies, or a relative who is authorized to receive information.

Did you know that…

• Your next of kin is the person who is contacted in case of an emergency?

• You can authorize your next of kin to receive information about your health?

• You can register multiple relatives who are authorized to receive information about your health?

• You can request that a relative should not receive information about you?

• Sjúkrahúsið á Akureyri

  (SAk) is not permitted to share information about a patient with relatives unless the relative is registered as authorized to receive such information or the patient has given their consent?

• Children who have reached the age of 16 are considered independent users of healthcare services. Therefore, their consent is required for a next of kin to receive information about them?

You can obtain information about who is registered as your next of kin at the reception desk at SAk.