Privacy and Confidentiality

Your health information deserves to be treated with respect and your privacy is protected. Access to your personal health information is available only to those who need to know and you have involved in your healthcare. These may include physicians, specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Case Manager, Social Worker, Pharmacist, Registered Dietitian or Chiropodist. When your personal health information is collected, the privacy and confidentiality of the information is protected.

Electronic Health Records

All client health information is maintained in password and firewall protected electronic health records. This state-of-the-art software only allows health professionals identified as involved in your health care to have access to your information.

Legislation

The Strathroy Medical Clinic is under compliance of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), which came into effect on November 1st, 2004.  

Privacy Principles

Accountability for Personal Information
The Strathroy Medical Clinic 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.

Identify Purposes for the Collection of Personal Information
The Strathroy Medical Clinic and its personnel will identify the purposes for which personal information is collected at or before the time the information is collected.

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 recognized exceptions apply (notice will be posted to outline the following: provision of direct patient care within the organization 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).

Limit Collection of Personal Information
Information will be collected through fair and lawful means to that which is necessary for the purposes identified.

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.

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.

Safeguards for Personal Information
Personal information will be protected by security methods appropriate to the format and sensitivity of the information.

Openness about Privacy Policies: The Strathroy Medical Clinic will make readily available to individuals specific information about its policies and procedures relating to the management of personal information.

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.
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.