FAQs

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The instances where an individual can be refused access to their own personal health information are very limited. In order to refuse access, a trustee must have a reasonable expectation that the disclosure will "endanger the mental or physical health of the applicant or another person". The fact that disclosing information may be inconvenient, upsetting or unpleasant is not reason enough to refuse access. If you feel that you have wrongfully been denied access you can contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for assistance.

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You have the right to request a change or addition to your patient record. If your request is refused a note will be placed on your file indicating that you have requested a correction or addition. You will also be advised of the refusal and receive information about how to appeal the decision. The trustee is not required to make changes to a clinical observation, a diagnosis or prognosis even if you disagree with what appears in your record.

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The primary purpose for collecting personal health information is to provide patient care. Generally speaking your personal health information cannot be disclosed without your consent. When disclosure of information relates to providing you with a service that you require and agree to, your consent is implied. Unless you have specifically asked them not to, a health care provider may also disclose information to close personal relatives about services you are currently receiving.

The Health Information Protection Act also lists specific circumstances where your personal health information may be disclosed without your consent. These circumstances include situations where...

• a trustee is required by law to report a patient's condition, such as cases involving some communicable diseases, child abuse or neglect, and medical conditions that may interfere with a patient's ability to drive safely
• there is an investigation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons
• the information is required by an agency in order to cover the cost of services provided to you
• there is a court order requiring the disclosure of the information

In these situations, the Act includes additional safeguards to ensure that the information that is disclosed is restricted to what is necessary and that it is properly used.