Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)

Protecting Your Privacy

At Mens Mental Health Counselling Therapy, we prioritize safeguarding your personal health information in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). This ensures that your data—whether related to your health, healthcare services, or personal identification—is handled with the utmost confidentiality and care. Personal health information includes everything from your medical history and health card number to details about your healthcare providers and substitute decision-makers.

Examples of Personal Health Information

Your personal health information can exist in various formats, both spoken and written, and may encompass the following:

• Health Records and History: Documentation of your past medical history and current health conditions.
• Case Management Records: Files related to the coordination and management of your health services.
• Service Delivery Assessments: Evaluations regarding the care and services you receive.
• Health Services: Information about the health services you’ve received.
• Lab and Test Results: Results from medical tests and laboratory examinations.
• Healthcare Providers: Details about the professionals involved in your care.
• Payments and Eligibility: Data on the payments made for healthcare services and your eligibility for such services.
• Body Donations: Information pertaining to donations of bodily tissues or substances, including related tests and examinations.
• Health Card Number (OHIP): Your provincial health insurance number.

Why We Collect Your Personal Health Information

At Mens Mental Health Counselling Therapy, the collection of your personal health information is crucial for providing personalized, high-quality care. This information helps us identify your records accurately, tailor services to your needs, comply with legal requirements, and continually improve the quality of our services. In some cases, anonymized data may also be used for research purposes, always with a commitment to confidentiality.

How We Collect Personal Health Information

We gather personal health information directly from you, or from your authorized representatives, such as parents, legal guardians, or substitute decision-makers. Additionally, information may be obtained from external sources with your consent or as required by law. Our goal is to use this information to enhance your well-being and provide you with appropriate, tailored care.

Information We Collect Includes:

• Personal Details: Your name, address, contact details, and date of birth.
• Identification Numbers: Health card number (OHIP) and Social Insurance Number (if applicable).
• Medical History: Details of your past and present medical conditions.
• Support Services: Information related to health and social services you receive.

How We Use Personal Health Information

Your personal health information is used to deliver high-quality care and support services, including:

• Provision of Care: Ensuring you receive appropriate and coordinated healthcare services.
• Program Planning and Delivery: Developing and improving health programs and services.
• Referral and Counseling: Facilitating referrals and offering support counseling.
• System Administration: Ensuring smooth operation of the healthcare system and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Research and Statistics: Using anonymized data for research to enhance healthcare practices.

Protecting Your Personal Health Information

We take multiple measures to ensure your personal health information is protected against unauthorized access, including robust storage and secure disposal protocols. Our team undergoes regular training, and any third-party service providers are required to adhere to strict privacy standards to ensure the safety of your data.

When We Share Your Information

We share your personal health information only with your consent, and only when necessary to ensure the best care across services. Additionally, we may disclose information to public health programs or related services when required to manage risks or promote public health.

Substitute Decision-Makers

In cases where you are unable to make decisions regarding your health, the following individuals may act on your behalf:

• Parents or Guardians: For minors or incapacitated individuals.
• Authorized Individuals: Persons with written authorization.
• Estate Trustees: For managing the affairs of deceased individuals.
• Legally Entitled Persons: Individuals granted authority under PHIPA.

Parents’ Access to Children’s Health Information

Under PHIPA, parents generally have access to their children’s health information unless the child is 16 or older, or if there are specific confidentiality provisions in place.

Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Health Information

To access or correct your personal health information, follow these steps:

1. Submit a Written Request: Include sufficient details to help locate your records.
2. Send to the Appropriate Department: Direct your request to the relevant service or department within Mens Mental Health Counselling Therapy.
3. Response Time: We will respond to your request within 30 days, with possible extensions as required under PHIPA.

Fees for Access Requests

• Public Health, Long-Term Care, Adult Day Services: $30 for administrative fees, plus $0.25 per page after the first 20 pages.
• Paramedic Services: $75 administrative fee.
  In cases of financial hardship, fees may be waived.

Health Information Custodians

If you have concerns or complaints about how your personal health information is handled, you can contact:

• Public Health
• Long-Term Care
• Mens 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 feel your privacy rights have been violated.

Educational Resources

For further guidance on your privacy rights and PHIPA, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario offers a range of educational videos and real-life scenarios to help you understand the importance of safeguarding your personal health information.

By staying informed, you can take control of your personal health information and ensure it is always protected and handled with care.