Safeguarding Your Privacy
At Marriage Counselling Therapy, protecting your personal health information is a top priority, fully aligned with the guidelines of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). We are committed to ensuring that your health data—whether it’s related to medical history, healthcare services, or personal identification—is managed with the utmost confidentiality and respect. This includes any information about your medical conditions, health card number, and even details of your healthcare providers or substitute decision-makers.
Examples of Personal Health Information
Your personal health information may include various types of data, such as:
- Health Records and Medical History: Information on your previous and current health conditions.
- Case Management Records: Details on how your healthcare services are coordinated.
- Service Delivery Assessments: Reviews of the care and services you’ve received.
- Healthcare Services: Information regarding the healthcare services you’ve accessed.
- Lab Results: Findings from medical tests and laboratory analyses.
- Healthcare Providers: Details about professionals involved in your care.
- Payment and Eligibility Information: Data regarding your healthcare payments and eligibility for services.
- Body Donations: Information related to any donations of tissues or substances for medical purposes.
- Health Card Number (OHIP): Your provincial health insurance number.
Why We Collect Your Personal Health Information
We collect personal health information to ensure we can deliver personalized, high-quality care. This data allows us to accurately identify your records, tailor services to meet your unique needs, and comply with legal obligations. Occasionally, anonymized data may also be used for research purposes to advance healthcare practices, with your confidentiality being the highest priority.
How We Collect Personal Health Information
We gather your personal health information directly from you or authorized representatives, such as parents, legal guardians, or substitute decision-makers. In some cases, with your consent or as required by law, we may also collect information from external sources. The goal is to use this data to provide appropriate, personalized care that enhances your well-being.
What Information We Collect
- Personal Information: Name, address, contact details, and date of birth.
- Identification Numbers: Health card number (OHIP) and Social Insurance Number (when applicable).
- Medical History: Information regarding your past and current health conditions.
- Support Services: Data related to the health and social services you receive.
How We Use Your Personal Health Information
Your personal health information is used to support the following services:
- Provision of Care: Ensuring you receive the right healthcare services in a coordinated manner.
- Program Planning and Improvement: Enhancing the development and delivery of health programs.
- Referrals and Counseling: Assisting with referrals and support services.
- System Administration: Ensuring smooth operation and regulatory compliance within the healthcare system.
- Research and Statistical Analysis: Using anonymized data for studies that improve healthcare delivery.
Protecting Your Personal Health Information
We take extensive measures to safeguard your data, employing secure storage, restricted access, and strict disposal protocols. Our team regularly participates in privacy training, and any third-party service providers must adhere to our stringent privacy standards, ensuring your information is always protected.
Sharing Your Information
Your personal health information will only be shared with your explicit consent and when necessary for your care. In specific situations, such as public health or safety requirements, we may disclose information to related services. We ensure that all disclosures comply with PHIPA and are made only when required to manage public health risks or promote safety.
Substitute Decision-Makers
In situations where you are unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself, the following individuals may act on your behalf:
- Parents or Guardians: For minors or individuals unable to make decisions.
- Authorized Representatives: People who have written permission to make decisions for you.
- Estate Trustees: Individuals managing the affairs of a deceased person.
- Legally Entitled Persons: Those authorized under PHIPA to act on your behalf.
Accessing Your Child’s Health Information
Under PHIPA, parents can generally access their child’s health information, unless the child is 16 or older or if specific confidentiality rules apply.
Accessing and Amending Your Personal Health Information
You have the right to access and correct your personal health information. To do so:
- Submit a written request with sufficient details to locate your records.
- Direct your request to the appropriate department within Womens Mental Health Counselling Therapy.
- We will respond within 30 days, with possible extensions if necessary.
Fees for Access Requests
- Public Health, Long-Term Care, Adult Day Services: $30 administrative fee, plus $0.25 per page after the first 20 pages.
- Paramedic Services: $75 administrative fee.
Fees may be waived in cases of financial hardship.
Health Information Custodians
If you have concerns about how your personal health information is being managed, you can contact:
- Public Health
- Long-Term Care
- Womens Mental Health Counselling Therapy Paramedic Services
- Senior Services Development
You also have the right to file a complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
Educational Resources
For further understanding of your privacy rights, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario provides valuable educational tools, such as videos and case studies, to help you grasp the importance of protecting your personal health information.
Staying Informed
It’s essential to stay informed about your rights concerning personal health information. By being proactive, you can maintain control over your data and ensure it is managed with care and respect. We encourage you to explore available resources and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to safeguard your privacy.
New Section: Strengthening Privacy Practices with Technology
At Womens Mental Health Counselling Therapy, we are committed to continuously improving our privacy protocols by integrating advanced data security technologies. From encrypted digital records to multi-factor authentication, our focus on leveraging technology ensures that your personal health information remains confidential and secure. This dedication to utilizing cutting-edge privacy measures reflects our ongoing commitment to providing you with safe, trusted healthcare experiences.