Client Privacy and Personal Health Information (PHI)

St. Joseph's Care Group recognizes that all personal information, including the personal health information of our clients deserves to be treated with respect and sensitivity. We further acknowledge that this information is protected by law under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). We believe that an atmosphere of trust between client and caregiver is important in the delivery of health care. We are committed to protecting your privacy, and have policies and procedures in place to ensure confidentiality when collecting, using and disclosing your personal health information.

We collect personal health information about you directly from you, or from the person acting on your behalf throughout the time you are an active client with us. The personal health information that we collect may include, for example, your name, date of birth, address, health history, records of your visits to St. Joseph's Care Group and diagnosis, treatment and care that you received during those visits. Occasionally, we collect personal health information about you from other sources such as your family physician or other health care providers, only if we have obtained your consent to do so or if the law permits.

Use of Personal Health Information (PHI)

• assess, diagnose, treat and care for you
• get payment for your treatment and care (from OHIP, WSIB, your private insurer or others)
• plan, administer and manage our internal operations
• conduct quality improvement activities (such as sending client satisfaction surveys) to evaluate and improve the care provided by the Care Group
• support educational opportunities
• conduct research approved by the Research Ethics Committee
• compile statistics
• conduct risk management activities
• comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and fulfill other purposes permitted or required by law
• fulfill other purposes permitted or required by law
• Participate with the Ontario Laboratory Information System (OLIS) that allows SJCG Laboratory to share test results with your doctor and other healthcare providers

Who does St. Joseph's Care Group share my personal health information with?

• Only those individuals as designated by you
• Other health care providers as part of your care
• Health regulatory agencies
• Public authorities as permitted and required by law (for example, Public Health to track infections)
• Government agencies (for example, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board), or if you give your consent, your private insurer to get payment for your treatment or care

Unless you tell us not to, we may also disclose your information to:

• Visitors or callers so they can reach you. If you do not want St. Joseph's Care Group to tell visitors or callers that you are in our facilities, let us know when you are admitted and share this with your care team
• Connect you with a religious or spiritual advisor who may visit you in the hospital. If you do not want this service, please tell us when you are admitted.

Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw your consent for some of the above uses and disclosures (subject to specific legal exceptions) by contacting us and making a request in writing.

If you are a client of St. Joseph's Care Group, speak to your care provider, the Manager of your program or contact the Manager, Health Records directly at the contact information below.

Can I see my record of personal health information?

We respect your right to see your health record. If you wish to do so, please contact our Health Records Services by calling (807) 3433-2454.

Retention and Disposal of Personal Health Information

Personal health records will be retained for the minimum retention periods as prescribed by legislation. Records will be disposed of in a secure manner

Security

• Personal health records will be retained for the minimum retention periods as prescribed by legislation. Records will be disposed of in a secure manner
• We conduct regular audits and complete random investigations to monitor and manage our privacy compliance.
• We take steps to ensure that everyone who performs services for us protects your privacy and only uses your personal health information for the purposes for which you have consented.

For Further Information

Please contact the Health Records Manager at (807) 343-2454.

Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

You have the right to make a complaint to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario if you think your privacy rights have been violated.

Telephone: 1-800-387-0073
Address: 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M4W1A8.
Website: ipc.on.ca
Email: commissioner@ipc.on.ca

For more information, please our Privacy FAQ