This policy outlines how I protect the personal information I collect about you. Personal information is any identifying information about you, including your physical and mental health. I value patient privacy and am committed to being accountable for how I treat your personal information.  

This policy was developed in compliance with the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). PIPA sets out rules for how organizations such as our office can collect, use, disclose, store and retain your personal information.

Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

What personal information do I collect?

I collect the following personal information:

·       Identification and contact information (name, address, date of birth, telephone number, emergency contact, etc.)

·       Health information (symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, test results, reports and treatment, record of allergies, prescriptions, etc.)

Why do I collect your personal information?

I collect your personal information for the purposes of identifying you, providing you with care, administering the services that I provide and communicating with you. I collect only the information that is required to fulfill those purposes. I do not collect any other information, or allow information to be used for other purposes, without your express (i.e., verbal, written or electronic) consent - except where authorized to do so by law.

When and to whom do I disclose personal information?

Implied consent for provision of care:

By virtue of seeking care from me, your consent is implied (i.e., assumed) for your information to be used to provide you with care.

Disclosure to other health care providers:

Your personal information will only be shared with other health care providers involved in your care with your expressed written consent.

Disclosures authorized by law:

There are limited situations where I may be legally required to disclose your personal information without your consent.

Disclosures to all other parties:

Your express consent is required before I will disclose your information to third parties for any purpose other than to provide you with care or unless I am authorized to do so by law.

Withdrawal of consent:

You can withdraw your consent to me collecting your personal information or having your information shared with other health care providers or other parties at any time by giving me reasonable notice, except where the collection or disclosure is authorized by law.

Patient Rights

How can records be accessed?

You have the right to access your treatment record in a timely manner. You may request a copy of your record, in writing, for a minimal fee.

Are there limitations on access?

Case analysis notes remain the property of the homeopath at all times and do not constitute part of the record.

What if the records are not accurate?

I make every effort to ensure that all of your information is recorded accurately. If an inaccuracy is identified, you can request that the information be corrected, and a note will be made to reflect this on your file.

Office Safeguards

How secure is your personal information?

Safeguards are in place to protect the security of your information. These safeguards include a combination of physical, technological and administrative security measures that are appropriate to the sensitivity of the information. These safeguards are aimed at protecting personal information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.

What is our communications policy?

I protect personal information regardless of the format. Specific procedures are in place for communicating by phone, email and post/courier.

How long do I keep personal information?

I retain patient records for a minimum period of 10 years.

How do I dispose of information when it is no longer required?

When information is no longer required, it is destroyed in an irreversible and secure manner.

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 or in accordance with PIPA, please first contact my office at the number above to discuss your concerns. You may also choose to make a complaint to the BC Association of Homeopaths or the Information & Privacy Commissioner for BC.