Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (Parkdale Queen West CHC) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal health information in its custody and control. Anyone who collects, uses or discloses personal health information on Parkdale Queen West CHC’s behalf is required to follow these 10 information principles. All Parkdale Queen West CHC policies and procedures relating to the collection, retention, disclosure, security and destruction of personal health information are developed in consideration of these ten principles.
Principle 1 — Accountability of Personal Health Information
Parkdale Queen West CHC is responsible for the personal health information in its custody or control, and has designated an individual, the Executive Director, to act as its privacy contact person. The Executive Director is responsible to oversee and facilitate Parkdale Queen West CHC’s compliance with its Privacy Policies and related legislation.
Parkdale Queen West CHC demonstrates its commitment to privacy and the confidentiality of personal health information by:
- Implementing policies and procedures to protect personal health information.
- Educating anyone who collects, uses or discloses personal health information on Parkdale Queen West CHC’s behalf about their responsibilities under Parkdale Queen West CHC’s policies.
- Implementing policies and procedures through the Executive Director’s office to:
- Receive and respond to complaints;
- Field inquiries on privacy related matters, and;
- Make material on Parkdale Queen West CHC’s privacy policies and procedures publicly available.
Principle 2 — Identifying Purposes for Which Personal Health Information is Being Collected
Parkdale Queen West CHC will identify to clients from whom it collects personal health information (and explain as necessary) the purposes for the collection.
Parkdale Queen West CHC collects personal health information for purposes related to direct client care, administration and management of Parkdale Queen West CHC programs and services, client billing, statistical reporting, and as permitted or required by law.
When personal health information that has been collected is to be used for a purpose not previously identified, the new purpose will be identified. Unless the new purpose is permitted or required by law, consent is required before the information can be used for that purpose.
Principle 3 — Consent for the Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Health Information
Parkdale Queen West CHC will generally rely on implied consent from our clients for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal health information. In some circumstances, Parkdale Queen West CHC will obtain express consent to collect, use or disclose personal health information as required by Parkdale Queen West CHC Policy. Parkdale Queen West CHC will collect, use or disclose personal health information as permitted or required by law. Parkdale Queen West CHC may disclose personal health information as required by law without consent.
A client may withdraw consent at any time, but the withdrawal cannot be retroactive. Refer to Parkdale Queen West CHC’s Operations Manual.
Principle 4 — Limiting Collection of Personal Health Information
Parkdale Queen West CHC limits the amount and type of personal health information it collects to that which is necessary to fulfill the purposes identified. Information is collected directly from the client, unless the law permits or requires collection from third parties
Collection of personal health information is done in accordance with Parkdale Queen West CHC’s Operations Manual.
Principle 5 — Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention of Personal Health Information
Parkdale Queen West CHC uses and discloses personal health information for purposes related to direct client care, administration and management of Parkdale Queen West CHC programs and services, client billing, teaching, statistical reporting and as permitted or required by law.
Further information about uses and disclosure can be found in Parkdale Queen West CHC’s Operations Manual.
Personal health information will be retained in accordance with Parkdale Queen West CHC’s policy, and as required by law. Otherwise it will be destroyed, erased, or made anonymous. Please refer to Parkdale Queen West CHC’s Operations Manual.
Principle 6 — Accuracy
Parkdale Queen West CHC will take reasonable steps to ensure that client’s personal health information is as accurate, complete and up-to-date as is necessary for the purposes for which it is used or disclosed.
Parkdale Queen West CHC will inform any third parties to whom personal health information is disclosed about any limitations on the information’s accuracy.
Principle 7 — Safeguards for Personal Health Information
Parkdale Queen West CHC has implemented security safeguards for the personal health information it holds, which include:
- Physical measures (such as locked filing cabinets);
- Organizational measures (such as permitting access on a “need-to-know” basis only), and;
- Technological measures (such as the use of passwords and audits).
Parkdale Queen West CHC requires anyone who collects, uses or discloses personal health information on its behalf to be aware of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of personal health information. This is done through the signing of confidentiality agreements, privacy training and contractual means.
Parkdale Queen West CHC has taken steps to ensure that the personal health information in its custody and control is protected against theft, loss and unauthorized use or disclosure.
Care is used in the disposal or destruction of personal health information, to prevent unauthorized parties from gaining access to the information.
Principle 8 — Openness about Personal Health Information Policies and Practices
Information about Parkdale Queen West CHC’s policies and practices relating to the management of personal health information are available, including:
- Contact information for the Executive Director, to whom inquires and complaints can be made.
- The process for obtaining access to personal health information held by Parkdale Queen West CHC, and making requests for its correction.
- A description of the type of personal health information held by Parkdale Queen West CHC, including a general account of its uses and disclosures.
- A copy of Parkdale Queen West CHC’s Privacy Statement.
Principle 9 — Individual Access to Personal Health Information
Parkdale Queen West CHC will give clients timely access to their personal health information and the ability to correct the personal health information in their record if they meet PHIPA’s requirements.
Principle 10 — Challenging Compliance with Parkdale Queen West CHC’s Privacy Policies and Practices
Any individual may address a challenge concerning compliance with Parkdale Queen West CHC’s Privacy policies and practices to the Executive Director at 416.703.8482 ext. 2321 or by e-mail.
Parkdale Queen West CHC will receive and respond to inquiries and complaints about its policies and practices relating to the handling of personal health information. It will inform individuals who make inquiries or make complaints of other available resources i.e. the Information and Privacy Commission for the province of Ontario.
You have the right to complain to the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario if you think we have violated your rights.
The Commissioner can be reached at:
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400 Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
Telephone: 416.326.3333 or 1.800.387.0073
Fax: 416.325.9195
TTY: 416.325.7539
Website: www.ipc.on.ca
Client Complaints
The client has a right to complain about the care or services received at the Centre. Complainants have the right to have their complaint reviewed and redressed without fear of embarrassment or reprisal. The complaint can be regarding a staff member, a volunteer, or a student, in this policy generally referred as ―staff. A complaint may be made in person, by telephone and/or, in written format. The Client Complaint Policy and Procedures shall be posted in visible areas. A copy may be provided to any person on request. Resolution of the complaint should be timely so as not to delay appropriate action for the complainant
To view details of the Client Complaint Policy, click on the link below:
Parkdale Queen West CHC will make every effort to resolve any and all complaints in a fair, respectful and timely manner.
The Client Complaint Policy is also available in accessible formats; please inform staff if such support is needed.
- Interpretation support is available if you wish to receive the policy in a language other than English.
- If you have any questions or need help understanding the policy, please speak to a staff member at the Centre or call 416.703-8482 ext. 2100.