New law to allow police access to medical history of Russians suffering from mental illness

Russian law enforcement is to be granted access to the medical records of certain Russians, business daily Vedomosti reported on Tuesday, citing two sources who said that legislation to that effect had already been approved by the Russian government.

The bill, which was drafted by Russia’s Health Ministry, will grant the Interior Ministry access to the confidential medical records of Russians suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, and certain mental disorders. The ministry will also have access to the medical records of former prisoners.

According to Vedomosti’s sources, law enforcement will be able to “monitor” those whose medical records it can access, as well as exchange information about them with other government agencies. Data is to be shared via an interdepartmental government platform, similar to the mechanism used in Russia to share information about gun owners.

The Health Ministry said that the number of Russians with mental disorders who pose a threat to themselves and others was “minimal”, but argued that “increased attention” should be paid to those who suffered from mental health and addiction issues.