The federal government is still open to receiving proposals from Primary Health Networks (PHNs) for innovative ideas on boosting consumer and provider participation in the PCEHR under the current opt-in model but has yet to make a final decision on where to hold trials of opt-out alternatives.

Health department officials told a Senate Estimates committee hearing on Wednesday that there was still no final decision on how many trials will take place or where, but up to six may be conducted, of which some will be of opt-out participation and others of “innovative approaches” to opt-in.