What is the process if GPs do not want to disclose information?
• GPs can only refuse to comply with the Act if one of the exemptions applies (see question 13). • GPs must issue, within 20 days, a refusal notice to the person requesting the information. This refusal notice must confirm that the practice holds the information (except in cases where revealing whether the information is held would cause harm) and deal with each request for information, stating clearly upon what grounds the GP is relying when refusing to disclose. Note: This is important because the Commissioner will rely on the grounds stated in the refusal notice when making a decision, if approached. • The refusal notice should state clearly what the appeals procedure is for a requestor, should he/she wish to contest the decision. • GPs should have an internal appeals procedure in place so that any appeals can be dealt with internally first before they are referred to the Commissioner. • An applicant can refer to the Commissioner for a decision on whether the request has been dealt
– GPs can only refuse to comply with the Act if one of the exemptions applies (see question 11 ). – GPs must issue a refusal notice to the person requesting the information. This refusal notice must deal with each request for information, stating clearly upon what grounds the GP is refusing to disclose. Note: This is important because the Information Commissioner will rely on the grounds stated in the refusal notice when making a decision, if approached. – The refusal notice should state clearly what the appeals procedure is for a requestor, should he/she wish to contest the decision. – GPs should have an internal appeals procedure in place as requestors will not be able to approach the Information Commissioner for a decision unless internal appeals procedures have been exhausted. This effectively gives both parties time to reconsider before the matter is elevated to the Information Commissioner. – If referred to the Information Commissioner, the Information Commissioner will make a de
