Privacy

PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT (PHIPA)

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner stipulate that all Family Health Teams must be in compliance with Provincial Privacy Legislation, specifically Bill 31: The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), which came into effect on November 1, 2004. For this reason, the Georgian Bay Family Health Team (GBFHT) has developed a Privacy Policy.

Guiding Philosophies:

• The GBFHT acknowledges that the Legislation applies to all health information about our patients;
• The term “Privacy” includes both the confidentiality and security of Patient Information;
• The GBFHT, as a Health Information Custodian, is accountable and responsible for the protection of all personal patient information within its care;
• Accountability for GBFHT compliance with privacy rests with the Privacy Officer who is designated to act on behalf of the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in matters related to privacy;
• The Privacy Officer is designated to oversee privacy legislation compliance;
• Each individual has a right to expect their personal information will be reasonably protected;
• Each Health Care Professional and GBFHT Employee has a duty to protect the personal information of those seeking our services;
• Access permission will be granted on a need-to-know basis. Access will facilitate employees to effectively perform their assigned duties;
• The GBFHT acknowledges the appropriate use of notice, implied and expressed consent in compliance with the legislation.
• Privacy Investigations will be conducted in a fair and consistent manner. The process will ensure that numbers of contacts are kept to a minimum to maintain confidentiality;
• Contractual agreements between third party partners/suppliers/vendors will be in place to ensure privacy compliance to GBFHT policies and procedures.

Due to the sensitive nature of health information, the GBFHT will apply the following principles across all aspects of its operation:

1. Accountability for Personal Information: The GBFHT is responsible for the personal information of patients under its control and will delegate an individual(s) who is/are accountable for its compliance with the privacy principles and relevant legislation.
2. Identify Purposes for the Collection of Personal Information: The GBFHT and its personnel will identify the purposes for which personal information is collected at or before the time the information is collected.
3. Consent for Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information: The knowledge and informed-consent of the individual are required for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information, except where inappropriate or recognised exceptions apply (notice will be posted to outline the following: provision of direct patient care within the organisation and across the health system, administrative and management of the health care system, research, teaching, statistics, quality improvement initiatives, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements).
4. Limit Collection of Personal Information: Information will be collected through fair and lawful means to that which is necessary for the purposes identified.
5. Limit Use, Disclosure and Retention of Personal Information: Personal information will not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of knowledge of the individual as required by law. Personal information will be retained only as long as is legally required or is necessary to fulfill its stated purpose.
6. Accuracy of Personal Information: Personal information will be as accurate, complete, and up-to-date as is necessary for the purpose for which it is used.
7. Safeguards for Personal Information: personal information will be protected by security methods appropriate to the format and sensitivity of the information.
8. Openness about Privacy Policies: The GBFHT will make readily available to individuals specific information about its policies and procedures relating to the management of personal information.
9. Individual Access to Personal Information: Upon request, an individual will be informed of the existence use and disclosure of his/her personal information and will be given access to that information. An individual will be able to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information and have it noted or amended as appropriate.
10. Challenge Compliance with the Privacy Policy: An individual will be able to challenge the compliance with the GBFHT policy to the Privacy Officer and/or Executive Director. All staff, physicians, volunteers and students must sign the “Privacy and Security Agreement.” Any breach of confidentiality may be cause for disciplinary action and/or termination.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding privacy issues within the GBFHT, please contact our Privacy Officer at 705-444-5885 or privacy@gbfht.ca. All concerns will be reviewed by our Privacy Committee.

PRIVACY POLICY REGARDING ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

Your healthcare provider has access to your Electronic Health Records, acknowledging the appropriate use of notice, implied, and expressed consent. Each healthcare professional and employees have a duty to protect the personal information of those seeking medical services.

The Georgian Bay Family Health Team, it’s employees and Physicians are compliant with Provincial Privacy Legislation, specifically Bill 31: The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), protecting you and your personal information.

A full copy of the privacy policy can be obtained from the staff at this office, at www.gbfht.ca, or by contacting the Georgian Bay Family Health Team privacy officer at 705-444-5885.

The release of any personal health information must be requested by the patient. Our consent to release medical record information form can be found here.

PRIVACY POLICY REGARDING ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

Collingwood G & M Hospital Emergency Dept. Access
The Physician attending you at CGMH Emergency Department may ask for permission to access your office electronic health record, if you are a patient of a physician who is part of the Georgian Bay Family Health Team.

Access to your electronic health record may give your Emergency Physician additional information needed to treat your ailment.

The Georgian Bay Family Health Team, and its Physicians are compliant with Provincial Privacy Legislation, specifically Bill 31: The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), protecting you and your personal information.

For more information please call 705-444-5885 or email privacy@gbfht.ca.

CONSENT FOR THE USE OF EMAIL WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

Some patients may be eligible to enter into an email communication relationship with their Health Care Provider. If you are interested in communicating by email with our clinic please inquire with your provider.

Download a copy of the Email Consent form here.

Download a copy of our Email Usage Policy here.