The revised edition of the Requirements will be implemented soon, to align with amendments to Schedule 1 of the Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories–Approval) Principles 2017.
The update responds to significant advances in laboratory information systems, interoperability, and new legislative requirements, particularly the introduction of mandatory ‘share by default’ uploading to My Health Record from 1 July 2026.
Background on the change
The change to Pathology Standard 4 allows use of current and preferred standards including HL7FHIR to support interoperability, rather than limiting laboratories to use older messaging requirements such as HL7v2.4 specifications.
This amendment was informed by sector feedback, including advice from subject matter experts, National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Committee and National Accreditation and Testing Authority (NATA).
It is intended to support alignment with government policy on interoperability and safe, consistent and future-ready communication of pathology information across Australia’s digital health ecosystem.
Review of the Requirements
A full review of the Requirements for Information Communication and Reporting is scheduled to commence in late 2026. To contribute, please email pathology@safetyandquality.gov.au and subscribe to receive pathology updates.
More information
Visit safetyandquality.gov.au/pathology or contact pathology@safetyandquality.gov.au