Client Privacy

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Client Privacy

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Personal Health Information Act (PHIPA)

The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) is Ontario's health specific privacy legislation. PHIPA governs the manner in which personal health information may be collected, used and disclosed within the health sector. It regulates health information custodians (custodians), as well as individuals and organizations that receive personal health information from custodians.

Personal health information is among the most sensitive of personal information and that's why at St. Joseph's Care Group, we are committed to protecting your privacy. We know that cultivating an environment of trust between client and caregiver is essential in the delivery of healthcare. Please know that we have policies and procedures in place to ensure confidentiality when collecting, using and disclosing your personal health information while at the same time making sure your health information readily available between your healthcare providers in order to ensure the best care.

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 healthcare providers, only if we have obtained your consent to do so or if the law permits.

Assess, diagnose, treat and care for you
Request and receive 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 807-343-2454.