On April 30, 2025, the Ministry of Health issued Exempt Decree No. 23 of 2025, by which it approved Technical Standard No. 241 on anonymization for the publication of databases as open data.
The objective of this standard is to establish mandatory guidelines for the application of anonymization techniques in the disclosure of open data within the health sector. Its scope is comprehensive and cross-cutting, applying to all anonymization processes carried out by the Undersecretariat of Public Health, the Undersecretariat of Healthcare Networks, Health Services, Regional Ministerial Health Secretariats, and affiliated institutions.
The standard outlines the roles and responsibilities of specific positions in relation to the anonymization process, including its planning, design, and proper implementation.
It is important to note that the standard does not include procedures for the anonymization of unstructured data, such as free text, images, or videos contained in clinical records. Nor does it regulate the use of personal data in other institutional areas, such as direct clinical care, health program management, epidemiological surveillance, or data exchange mechanisms. These matters are governed by the Ministry of Health’s General Information Security and Cybersecurity Policy.
The significance of this standard lies in the establishment of a clear regulatory framework for the use of health data, promoting innovation, informed decision-making, cross-sector collaboration, and scientific and technological progress, while simultaneously ensuring the protection of individuals’ privacy.
For further information on this matter, please contact Macarena Naranjo (mnaranjo@jdf.cl) or Consuelo Santana (csantana@jdf.cl).
