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Abstract
In order to provide a framework for standardised data reporting in the Australian non-government community mental health sector, a Data Dictionary and standard data set were developed. Advisory Committee and key stakeholder consultation, review of local and national minimum data sets and stakeholder validation informed this process. This resulted in a Data Dictionary containing 37 items and a standard data set containing 15 items. These items conform to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare’s (AIHW) standards and address Leginski et al.’s (1989) decision standards.

A version of this paper was delivered at the Centre for Law and Genetics, University of Tasmania, 10 December 2001.

Abstract
As the clinical implications of the genetic components of disease come to be better understood, there is likely to be a significant increase in the volume of genetic information held within clinical records. As patient health care records, in turn, come on-line as part of broader health information networks, there is likely to be considerable pressure in favour of special laws protecting genetic privacy. This paper reviews some of the privacy challenges posed by electronic health records, some government initiatives in this area, and notes the impact that developments in genetic testing will have upon the ‘genetic content’ of e-health records. Despite the sensitivity of genetic information, the paper argues against a policy of ‘genetic exceptionalism’, and its implications for genetic privacy laws.