Your Health InformationInformation Practice StatementThe Government of Ontario has enacted privacy legislation, which applies to most health care providers in the Province. The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), 2004 requires that strict rules be followed to protect the personal health information collected, used and/or disclosed by a Health Information Custodian, including the Ottawa Paramedic Service. As an individual who uses our service, you have the right to know how we collect, use, maintain and disclose personal health information. You have the right to expect that, to the best of our ability, the personal health information held by Paramedic Services remains accurate, confidential and secure. Security of your Personal Health InformationAll documentation of personal health information by Paramedics is recorded on paper and/or electronically and complies with Paramedic Branch and City of Ottawa policies and procedures. Ambulance Call Reports (ACRs) are completed by Paramedics and distributed as per the Emergency Health Services Branch (Ministry of Health and Long Term Care) Ambulance Service Documentation Standards. A copy of the Ambulance Call Report is provided to the receiving hospital facility for their patient record and for billing purposes, and to the Ottawa Base Hospital Program for quality assurance purposes. The Ottawa Paramedic Service retains a copy in a secured hard file or electronic file location with restricted access. Only those directly involved in your care, quality assurance programs, or those who have a legal right to see your records are permitted access to your personal health information. Collection and Use of your Personal Health InformationThe Ottawa Paramedic Service collects and uses information about you to respond appropriately to your health care needs. Your personal health information is typically collected and used with your implied consent. If you are unable or incapable of providing information about yourself, information may be collected from others in order to assess your needs in a timely manner. Under PHIPA, you have the right to withdraw or limit this consent after information has been collected. Withdrawing consent protects your information from further use or disclosure but may affect the provision of health care. Personal health information is collected to help provide you with care and service by Paramedics and other health care providers (e.g. at receiving facility) or to process payments for health related services. This includes:
Selected information related to your care and service is used for administration, quality assurance programs, and regulatory compliance requirements. The information is then compiled into an aggregate form and at times is used for research, strategic planning and management decision-making purposes. Access and Disclosure of your Personal Health InformationYou have the right to access to your personal health information and receive a copy of your personal health record (i.e. ambulance call report), subject to limited exceptions as set out in PHIPA. Requests can be made by completing an Authorization to Disclose Personal Information form. [PDF 39 KB] and mailing or faxing it to: Customer Service Please allow 10 business days to process your request. Documentation must be picked up, in person, with official photo identification, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm – by appointment only. You also have the right to request correction of a record if it is incomplete or inaccurate. Your personal health information is private. Unless the Ottawa Paramedic Service is required to disclose your personal health information for law enforcement purposes, or specifically authorized under PHIPA to share your health information with others, we will not release any personal health information without your written consent. Further Inquires and Contact InformationIf you would like to know more about how your personal health information is collected, used, maintained and disclosed, or if you have a concern/complaint about access to your personal health information, please contact: Professional Standards By telephone: 613-580-2424 ext 22472 |
CON021120