Acclaim Health
Privacy Statement
Acclaim Health is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information as outlined in the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act(PHIPA).
What is PHIPA?
The Personal Health Information Protection Act is a law that became effective in Ontario in November, 2004. The purpose of the Act is to provide direction to health care providers on how to collect, use, and disclose personal health information within the health care system. It also allows you, the client, control of how and with whom your information can be shared with through your consent.
What is Personal Health Information?
Personal health information is identifying information that is collected about your health or health care history. Identifying information refers to information that could identify you if used alone or in combination with other information. This includes:
- Name, Address, Phone Number
- Date of Birth
- Health Card Number
- Current and Past Medical Diagnoses
- Personal Health and Social History of yourself and your family
- Allergies and Medications
- Spoken Languages
- Reason(s) you need services
- Special Care Instructions from you regarding who can access your health information
Why does Acclaim Health collect this information?
- To assess your needs based on the information collected.
- To provide health and social services relevant to your needs.
- To share your information with others involved in planning and providing your care.
What information will Acclaim Health share with other Health Team Members?
Acclaim Health will only share your information with other health team members with your written consent. In order to meet your needs and to provide services, the Acclaim Health team will need to communicate with other health team members that are involved with your care. This is called the “Circle of Care”. Some of these health team members may include:
- Acclaim Health Team: Registered Nurse, Registered Practical Nurse, Personal Support
Worker, Supervisor, Manager, Scheduler, Volunteer)
- Health Care Team: Doctor, Pharmacist, Physiotherapy
- Case Manager for Community Care Access Centre
- Designated Family Members or Caregivers
- Other Health Care or Social Agencies
- Acclaim Health’s Quality Team for the purpose of completing chart audits
Please note that you will be asked to sign an additional consent form if the Acclaim Health team decides that it is necessary to share your information with others not listed above.
What are my rights regarding the sharing of my personal health information?
It is your right to decide if your personal health information will be shared with the Acclaim Health team and/or other health team members. All exceptions to the sharing of your information will be recorded and respected. However, your decision to withhold information may limit our ability to meet your needs.
How does Acclaim Health protect my health record?
If you are receiving services in your home, your health record will be kept in your home. Should you wish to have your health record kept at the Acclaim Health office, please advise an Acclaim Health team member. If you are receiving services at another preferred site, then the record will be kept in a secure location.
Once you are no longer receiving Acclaim Health services, your health record will be stored at the Acclaim Health office. Acclaim Health has put in place policies and procedures that follow Ontario law regarding the retention and destruction of health records. Acclaim Health will take all reasonable steps to protect your personal health information from loss, unauthorized access, destruction or alteration.
Can I make changes or corrections to my health record?
The Acclaim Health team will make every effort to ensure that your personal health information is accurate, complete and up-to- date. If you believe that the information in our records is inaccurate, please inform one the Acclaim Health team members
How can I request access to my health record?
If the health record is in your home, please feel free to look at it. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask an Acclaim Health team member to clarify for you. If your health record is in the office, you may request in writing to receive a copy of your health record. Please note that Acclaim Health may take up to 30 days to respond to your request. In order to ensure privacy and confidentiality, you will need to provide photo identification and
sign a release form for your health record.
Who is responsible for the reviewing privacy issues at Acclaim Health?
Acclaim Health has a Privacy Officer who is responsible for ensuring that the Acclaim Health team members understand and follow the privacy policies and procedures. The Privacy Officer is also responsible to review and answer any questions or concerns brought forward by Acclaim Health clients. Below is the contact information for the Privacy Officer:
Johanne Carbonneau
2370 Speers Road, Oakville, ON, L6L 5M2
Phone: (905) 827 – 8800 or toll free 1-800-387-7127
Fax: (905) 827 – 3390