Dispelling the myths of privacy in health care – key is ongoing training

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Posted in Family Health Teams, Privacy

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (“IPC”) released a presentation Privacy and Health Care: Dispelling the Myths  addressing 5 common myths about privacy in health care:

  1. Express consent is required to share personal health information for health care purposes
  2. Express consent must be provided in writing
  3. Individuals do not have a right to see or obtain a copy of their own records
  4. Personal health information cannot be used for educational purposes
  5. Personal health information can never be shared with family members

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IPC report: Privacy policies alone not sufficient (and how this report applies to health care organizations)

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Posted in Privacy

Introduction

Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner (“IPC”) released a report on September 5, 2012 titled “A Policy is Not Enough: It Must be Reflected in Concrete Practices”. As the title suggests, the IPC reminds us that a policy alone cannot protect privacy – it is the action stemming from the policy that is vital.  In its 21-page paper, the IPC provides 7 steps that organizations should consider implementing. Hospitals and other health care facilities should take note as these recommendations apply to you. The following is a summary of the key messages provided in the report. Read More

CCACs ordered to provide personal support services to difficult client

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Posted in Community Care Access Centre, Facilities, Litigation

The Health Services Appeal and Review Board (Board) recently rescinded a decision of a Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) involving the personal support services of a client.  In JC v South West Community Care Access Centre, the CCAC revised the client’s plan of service and, in particular, withdrew the services it was providing to the client.  The client sought to have the CCAC continue to provide the services to her.  The issue for the Board was to determine what services the client was entitled to and on what basis. Read More