Updated My Health Record security requirements from 1 October 2026

Healthcare provider organisations registered with My Health Record will need to meet updated security and access policy requirements from 1 October 2026.

The Office of the Australian Information Commission (OAIC), collaboration with the Australian Digital Health Agency, has developed an updated My Health Record Security and Access Policy Template to help organisations comply with the new My Health Record Rules 2026.

Organisations should review and update their existing security and access policies ahead of the changes. A supporting fact sheet provides a practical overview of the new requirements and the updates organisations should consider.

Members can access the updated template, fact sheet and further information on My Health Record participation obligations through the Australian Digital Health Agency website.

SA mental health clinician recognition updated

South Australia’s revised mental health clinician determination retains existing recognition of OTs and clarifies inclusion of non-government mental health services. It also provides a pathway for OTs employed by other health services delivering specialist mental health care, subject to Chief Psychiatrist endorsement of the service. This may enable eligible OTs to undertake statutory functions, such as monitoring community treatment orders. Most OTs already covered will see little change. Read the determination here: Mental-Health-Clinicians-Determination.pdf For clarification about your employment setting, contact healthocp@sa.gov.au.

Thriving Kids Update

Thriving Kids will begin rolling out on 1 October, but occupational therapists are not yet explicitly included in the model. Help us call for OTs and the broader allied health workforce to be meaningfully included. Take these two quick actions today:

• Email your MP: It takes just 30 seconds to ask your local federal MP to protect children’s access to occupational therapy. More than 170 people have already emailed their MP. See more here.
• Sign the NSW petition: More than 2,900 people have already signed. Add your name by 3 October to show the strength of support for including OTs. Sign the petition here.

Every email and signature reinforces a clear message to government: Thriving Kids needs OTs.

The Australian Government will launch Thriving Kids on 1 October 2026 with the following features:

• A national Digital Hub with information and resources about child development, developmental delay and developmental differences.
• A national phoneline offering information and advice to families with questions about a child’s development or behaviour.
• An Autism Helpline offering trusted information to families of Autistic children and families whose children may be seeking an autism diagnosis.

For questions, please contact policy@otaus.com.au.

WorkSafe Vic: Free Patient Support Events

Are you a Victorian OT treating workers compensation clients, or conducting assessments?

As part of WorkSafe Vic 2026 Health and Safety month, WorkSafe Vic are delivering free in-person sessions (two free breakfast events and an online webinar) with content focused on support for patients who have been off work for one year.

WorkSafe are offering sessions as follows:

• Friday 9 October – Werribee H&S Month 2026: Werribee Health Providers Breakfast | WorkSafe Victoria
• Thursday 22 October
  Dandenong H&S Month 2026: Dandenong Health Providers Breakfast | WorkSafe Victoria

If you're unable to attend, WorkSafe will also host a webinar on 29 October. Register here.