Privacy Policies
During our assessment, consultation and treatment sessions, I collect only the information from you that I believe is reasonably necessary to provide you with effective treatment for the problems you are having. I am committed to respecting and protecting your privacy in order to create a safe environment to fully explore and resolve your difficulties.
The following outline describes in detail my policies with respect to collecting, using, accessing and disclosing of your personal health information:
- Collecting Personal Health Information
I collect personal health information only directly from you through interviews and psychological testing. In some circumstances there may be one of two exceptions:
(a) When you have provided consent to obtain such information from other health providers (e.g., reports of previous assessments or other services)
(b) Where Ontario health laws require or allow collecting information without your consent (e.g., in an emergency situation; see Confidentiality)
If I collect information from you for any purpose other than your treatment (e.g. research) it will only be done with your knowledge and consent. If you decide that you do not want to provide information for research purposes, and it is not needed for your treatment, you are completely free to refuse. There will be no impact on the treatment you receive.
- Using Personal Health Information
Your personal health information is used to provide you with treatment services. This includes using the information for treatment planning, monitoring results, and for billing purposes. In addition, I regularly review the effectiveness of my programs through evaluation and quality improvement measures. I do not share filed information with any staff or casual employees.
Your personal health record may be accessed for external auditing, licensing, or accreditation purposes. Such requirements are rare and relate to my maintaining appropriate professional practices; not you as an individual patient. All persons involved in such activities are also bound by the same rules of confidentiality established by law to protect the confidentiality of any information accessed during such activities.
- Accessing your Personal Information Health Record
In the Province of Ontario you have the right to access all records of your personal health information, and to request copies of the information. Copies will be provided for a small administrative fee reflecting the time spent in fulfilling your request.
If you believe that information in your record is not accurate, you may make a written request to correct your record. If I do not agree with the correction you request, you may file a notice of disagreement into your record.
- Disclosing Personal Health Information
With only the few exceptions that are reviewed on the Confidentiality exceptions.
Ask if you Have any Questions
If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your Personal Health File, please speak to me directly about any questions you have regarding my Privacy Policies.
If you would like more detailed information at any time, have a concern about my Privacy Policies, or have a concern about the way your privacy has been handled, please do not hesitate to approach me directly.
Concerns also may be addressed to:
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
Tel: (416) 326-3333
Toll free: 1 (800) 387-0073
Fax: (416) 325-9195
