A health record is created anytime you are assessed or treated by a health care professional. Your record may include information such as:
- Identification and location information
- Medical and personal history
- Test results (clinical information)
- Reports pertaining to treatment outcomes and procedures
Information can be disclosed without consent if:
- An emergency situation threatens the life, health, or security of an individual
- Required for compliance with a warrant, order, or subpoena
Information may also be used by health professionals:
- To educate health care providers
- In medical reviews or investigations
- For internal management purposes (quality improvements, audits)
The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPP) guideline for safeguarding personal information states that personal information is to be protected by reasonable security safeguards and that records are protected against risks such as accidental loss or alteration, unauthorized access, collection, use or disclosure of records.
Health records safeguards your information by:
- Storing records in a secure and restricted area
- Limiting access to health records to authorized individuals only
- Protecting information with a client confidentiality policy
Personal health information is used and disclosed to treat and provide the best care practices for you as a patient. To do this, information is made available to health care professionals involved in your care.