Privacy Policy
This policy outlines how we protect the privacy of your personal information. Everyone working in this office is required to adhere to the protections described in this policy. If you have any questions about our privacy practices, please contact your counsellor.
COLLECTION, USE AND DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
What personal information do we collect?
We collect the following personal information:
- Identification and Contact information (name, address, date of birth, emergency contact, employer, etc.)
- Relevant health information
When and to whom do we disclose personal information?
Implied consent for provision of care. By virtue of seeking care from us, your consent is implied (i.e. assumed) for your information to be used by Source Line to provide you with care and to share with other health providers involved in your care. This would generally be discussed with you beforehand.
- Disclosure to other health care providers: Relevant health information may be shared with other health providers involved in your care, including (but not limited to) family doctor, medical specialists, other licensed counselors.
- Disclosures authorized by law: There are limited situations where we are legally required to disclose your personal information without your consent. These situations include (but are not limited to) reporting abuse (child, elder, spouse, etc.), by court order (when subpoenaed in a court case), in regulatory investigations.
- Disclosures to all other parties: Your express consent is required before we will disclose your information to third parties for any purpose other than to provide you with care or unless we are authorized to do so by law. Examples of disclosures to other parties requiring your express consent include (but are not limited to) disclosures to employer, disclosures to insurance companies.
- Can you withdraw consent? You can withdraw your consent to have your information shared with other health providers or other parties at any time, except where the disclosure is authorized by law. However, please discuss this with your counsellor first.
CLIENT RIGHTS
How do you access the personal information held by this office?
You have the right to access your record in a timely manner. If you request a copy of your record one will be provided to you at a reasonable cost. If you wish to review the original record, one of our staff must be present to maintain the integrity of the record and a reasonable fee may be charged for this access. Client requests may be made verbally or in writing, directed to the counsellor.
Limitations on access
In extremely limited circumstances you may be denied any or full access to your records, but only if providing access would create a significant risk to you or another person.
What if you feel your record is not accurate?
We make every effort to ensure that all your information is recorded accurately. If an inaccuracy is identified, you can request that a note be made to reflect this on your file.
OFFICE SAFEGUARDS
What is our communications policy?
We protect personal information regardless of the format. Specific procedures are in place for communicating by phone, fax and post/courier. We do not transmit confidential information by email unless it is encrypted. Firewall and virus scanning software is in place to mitigate against unauthorized modification, loss, access or disclosure.
How long do we keep information?
We retain client records as required by law and professional regulations.
COMPLAINTS PROCESS
If you believe that this office has not replied to your access request or has not handled your personal information in a reasonable manner, please address your concerns first to your counsellor.
You may also choose to make a complaint to:
- provincial college
- provincial privacy commissioner
Dr. Michael Jeavons
President, Source Line Inc.
November 1 2004
