Restrict access to documents in your record

Set a Limited Document Access Code (LDAC) to control access to your restricted documents.

Manage who can access restricted documents in your record with a Limited Document Access Code (LDAC)

Restricted documents are records that you have set to Restricted Access.

If you set a Limited Document Access Code, healthcare provider organisations you have given the code to will be able to view restricted documents.

Once they have used the code, they will be listed in your provider access list with Restricted Access to your record.

If you have given your healthcare provider Restricted Access in the Access by Healthcare Provider section of your record, they will be able to see your documents even without a limited document access code.

Healthcare providers who have accessed your record before a code has been set will continue to have access.

A limited document access code lasts for three years. If the healthcare provider has not accessed your My Health Record for three years, you will need to give them your code to gain access.

For example, if you see your GP after more than three years, you will need to give them your code again to access your restricted documents.

Some types of documents cannot have Restricted Access. These include:

  • shared health summaries
  • personal health summaries
  • advanced care plans and custodian details

Learn how to restrict healthcare provider access to your record.

Setting a Limited Document Access Code may limit a healthcare provider's ability to access your medical information.

How to set a Limited Document Access Code

To follow these steps, you will need to have My Health Record linked to your myGov account.

How to set a Limited Document Access Code:

  1. Sign in to My Health Record via myGov:
  2. Select the record you want to access.
  3. Click the Privacy & Access tab in the top navigation menu.
  4. Select Manage My Document Access.
  5. Provided you have set at least one document as Restricted, select Set limited document access code.
  6. On the next screen, set a 4 to 8 character code. This code cannot be the same as your Record Access Code. Make a note of your code so you can give it to your healthcare providers.
  7. Select Save.
  8. Select OK to set the code.

Note: if you wish to change or remove this LDAC, return to the Document access settings section and select either Update code or Remove code.

Change your Limited Document Access Code

If you change your Limited Document Access Code you will need to provide this new code to any new healthcare providers who you allow to view your restricted documents.

Healthcare providers that already have Restricted Access will not need the new code.

If you forget your Limited Document Access Code

If you forget your original Limited Document Access Code, you can always view your code on the Manage My Document Access page. You can also create a new code at any time.

You will need to provide a LDAC to any new healthcare providers you would like to have access to the document.

Access in an emergency

Even if you have set a code, healthcare providers can still access your record, including any restricted documents, in a medical emergency.

Need telephone support setting a Limited Document Access Code?

Call our help line 24/7 on 1800 723 471.

Online learning module

We have an online learning module to help you understand more about limited document access codes in My Health Record.

Access the online learning module