Privacy Policy Statement (Revised June 2006)

The Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 regulates how the Centre collects, uses, retains, transfers, discloses, provides access to and disposes of clients’ personal health information. New Heights Community Health Centres has operational protocols on Client Privacy and Confidentiality that set out how this legislation is implemented at New Heights Community Health Centres.

The following is a policy statement that guides Centre staff in the implementation of these fundamental rights.

 PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENT

We at New Heights Community Health Centres value our clients. We aim to provide the best possible health care to you, our clients, while protecting the confidentiality and security of your personal health information. 

What is personal health information?
Personal health information is all the information that we collect about you, such as your name, date of birth, address, health and health history. It includes information about your physical and mental condition, the health history of your family members, and health care services provided to you over time.

Why do we collect your personal health information?
New Heights Community Health Centres collects personal health information so we can provide care and services to you. We use this information to evaluate, plan and manage our health care services. We collect only as much information as we need to provide you with good health care and to meet our legal requirements.

Who sees your personal health information?
At New Heights Community Health Centres, our doctors, nurse practitioner, nurses, dietitians, chiropodist, case co-ordinators, social worker, receptionists and other administrative staff work together as a team to provide health care. Your information may be shared among the staff who work together to provide you with care. We may also share information about you with health professionals outside New Heights Community Health Centres, when we make a referral for you to a specialist or when you request service from another professional, such as a pharmacist.

Uses and Disclosures of Personal Health Information
We may use and disclose all or parts of your personal health information to:
• Care for and treat you
• Contact you regarding events and issues
• Get payment for your treatment and care (from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, OHIP, IFH, or others)
• Plan, administer and manage our internal operations
• Conduct quality improvement and professional development activities
• Teach students within the Centre
• Conduct research
• Compile statistics
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements and
• Fulfill other purposes permitted or required by law.

How can you access your personal health information?
In general, each client has the right to see and correct his/her personal health information. You can do this by giving us a verbal or written request. You will be able to see your information within 30 days of your request.

What rights do you have with regard to your personal health information?
When you are asked for personal health information, you have the choice to agree or refuse to provide the information. You can also control some of the uses and disclosure of your information. Both of these statements are true within certain legal limits. Ask our Privacy Officer for details.

How can you get additional information about our practices and your rights?
We have detailed Client Privacy and Confidentiality Protocols regarding the handling of your personal health information. If you ask, we will give you a copy. If you have questions or concerns about our privacy practices, you can speak to our privacy officer. 
Our Privacy Officer is the Clinical Director, at 416-787-1661, extension 223.

The Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act requires us to have clear policies and practices on personal health information and to post this statement. You have the right to complain to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario if you think your rights have been violated. The Commissioner can be reached at:
Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario
1400-2 Bloor Street E.
Toronto, ON  M4W 1A8
416-326-3333