update_patient · Cliniko MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_patient does on Cliniko MCP Server

AI agents use update_patient to create or update resources in Cliniko MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Cliniko MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_patient needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies patient data reversibly, fitting the Write category. Severity is high because patient records in healthcare systems are sensitive personal and medical data; unauthorized modification could affect clinical care, billing, privacy compliance, and has significant downstream consequences.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_patient' indicates modification of patient records. Parent server manages 'patient management' and 'practice data access' in a healthcare (Cliniko practice management) context.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_patient Rate-limited

update_patient stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "update_patient": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_patient_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Cliniko MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_patient

What does the update_patient tool do? +

update_patient. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Cliniko MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_patient? +

Register the Cliniko MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_patient: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Cliniko MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_patient? +

update_patient is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit update_patient? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_patient rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block update_patient completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_patient. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides update_patient? +

update_patient is provided by the Cliniko MCP Server MCP server (yasboop/new-cliniko-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.