Health Minister Greg Hunt has agreed to amend a section of the My Health Record act to explicitly state that a court order will be required before information can be released to police or government agencies.

Mr Hunt has come under intense pressure to strengthen the legislation, which has been in place for six years and outlines the circumstances under which the system operator can release information to law enforcement officials.

In a statement last night, Mr Hunt said that after meeting with doctors' groups, he would amend the act to reflect current practice.