Protecting Your Privacy
At Divorce Counselling Therapy, we are dedicated to protecting your personal health information in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). This legislation ensures that any data that identifies you, such as health records, healthcare history, provider details, or health card numbers, is managed with the highest level of confidentiality and care.
What Qualifies as Personal Health Information?
Personal health information can be found in various formats—whether written, spoken, or digital—and includes:
- Health Records and History: Detailed documentation of your medical background and current conditions.
- Case Management Records: Notes related to the coordination and management of your care.
- Service Delivery Assessments: Evaluations of the services provided to you.
- Healthcare Details: Information about the treatments and services you have received.
- Lab and Test Results: Data from medical tests and laboratory results.
- Healthcare Providers: Information about the professionals involved in your care.
- Payment and Eligibility: Records related to payments for services and eligibility verification.
- Body Donations: Data about the donation of body parts or substances, including associated tests.
- Health Insurance Numbers (OHIP): Your health card number and other identifying information.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We strictly adhere to PHIPA regulations to protect your privacy. Your personal health information is accessible only to authorized staff directly involved in your care, including healthcare professionals and administrative personnel.
Why We Collect Personal Health Information
We collect personal health information to ensure we provide you with accurate, effective, and efficient care. This data helps us to:
- Accurately Identify Your Records: Ensure your health records are correctly matched to your identity, enabling smooth healthcare delivery.
- Provide Personalized Services: Offer customized treatment plans and services that address your unique needs.
- Fulfill Legal Obligations: Comply with legal requirements, including verifying your Ontario Health Card Number (OHIP).
- Enhance Service Quality: Continuously evaluate and improve our services to better serve you.
- Support Research and Education: Use anonymized data for ethically approved research and educational purposes, maintaining confidentiality.
How We Collect Your Personal Health Information
We may obtain your health information directly from you or through authorized representatives, such as parents, legal guardians, or substitute decision-makers. We may also collect information from other sources with your consent or when required by law. This information is crucial for promoting health, preventing disease, and delivering appropriate services.
Types of Information We Collect:
- Personal Information: Name, address, contact details, date of birth.
- Identification Numbers: Ontario Health Card Number, Social Insurance Number.
- Medical Data: Medical history, treatments, and case management details.
- Support Services: Information regarding any additional services you receive.
Why We Use Your Personal Health Information
We use your health information to provide high-quality healthcare and support services, including:
- Public Health Initiatives: To develop and improve community health programs.
- Emergency Services: To coordinate paramedic and emergency medical services.
- Long-Term Care: To deliver comprehensive care to long-term residents.
- Senior Services: To provide specialized support services for the elderly.
Disclosure of Your Information
Your personal health information may be shared, with your consent, to ensure comprehensive care across various services. Disclosure may also occur to public health programs or other Divorce Counselling Therapy services to manage risks or support health initiatives.
Who Can Act on Your Behalf?
If you are unable to make decisions regarding your health information, a substitute decision-maker can act on your behalf. These may include:
- Parents or Guardians: For minors or those who cannot make their own decisions.
- Authorized Representatives: Individuals designated by your written consent.
- Estate Trustees: Responsible for the affairs of a deceased person.
- Legally Authorized Individuals: Those permitted under PHIPA.
Accessing Your Health Information
To access or correct your personal health information, you can:
- Submit a Written Request: Provide details to help locate your records.
- Direct Your Request Properly: Send it to the relevant Divorce Counselling Therapy service.
- Anticipate a Response: We strive to respond within 30 days, though extensions may apply under PHIPA.
Fees for Access Requests:
- Public Health, Long-Term Care, Adult Day Services: $30 administrative fee, plus $0.25 per page beyond the first 20 pages.
- Paramedic Services: $75 administrative fee.
- Fee Waivers: May be granted in cases of financial hardship.
Health Information Custodians
For concerns or complaints, you can contact:
- Public Health
- Long-Term Care
- Divorce Counselling Therapy Paramedic Services
- Senior Services Development
If you believe your privacy has been compromised, you have the right to file a complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
Educational Resources
We encourage you to learn more about your rights under PHIPA. The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario provides valuable resources, including educational videos that illustrate the Act’s applications.
New Addition: Protecting Your Digital Information
As we expand our digital services, we are committed to implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect your online information. This includes secure data transmission protocols, encrypted storage systems, and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. By using our digital platforms, you consent to these security practices and acknowledge the shared responsibility of protecting your digital privacy.
Additional Note: Data Retention Policies
We retain your personal health information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this notice or as required by law. Once no longer needed, we securely destroy or anonymize your data in compliance with PHIPA and other applicable regulations.