Personal Health Privacy

Personal Health Information Protection Act and Protection of Privacy

Ontario has a law called the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) to ensure that your personal health information is protected. The purpose of PHIPA is to provide rules on the collection, use, retention, disclosure and disposal of personal health information. Region of Waterloo Public Health must comply with PHIPA.

What is Personal Health Information?

• Information like name, address, date of birth or Health Card number
• Health-related assessments like individual or family health history, results of tests, or information needed to make a plan for services
• Information related to eligibility or payments for services

Protecting Your Privacy

Public Health collects only as much personal health information as needed to deliver our services. Internal policies and procedures have been developed and provide direction to staff on how we handle and protect your personal health information.

We are required and committed to keeping your personal health information private, safe and secure. We will get your permission before we give out your personal health information to others or for certain research projects where your consent is required unless release is required or allowed by law. For more information, please check these documents:

• Information Practices Statement - Region of Waterloo Public Health
• Information Practices Statement - Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services
• How We Use and Protect your Health Information