CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH INFORMATION BETTER PROTECTED

Released on May 8, 2003

The Saskatchewan Government is taking steps to better protect the privacy of personal health information, by legislating rules for the collection, use, disclosure and management of personal health information in the Saskatchewan health care system.

The government is amending the Health Information Protection Act, which protects confidential health records. It requires health professionals, government, and health organizations to have strong policies and procedures in place to safeguard the confidentiality of personal health information.

"We have consulted with health care professionals who told us that we must keep pace with the demands in the health care system for timely access to important information. In putting these amendments in place, we have taken a balanced approach to ensure there is timely access to patients' vital health information by health care providers, while continuing to ensure that the strongest safeguards are in place to protect patient confidentiality," said Health Minister John Nilson.

The Health Information Protection Act was passed in 1999, but not proclaimed until consultations occurred. These amendments were proposed following extensive consultations with key health organizations. The changes now in place are a direct response to issues raised during those consultations.


"The Saskatchewan Medical Association is confident that the legislation provides appropriate safeguards for the privacy of patients and the confidentiality of their health records," said the Chair of the Saskatchewan Medical Association's legislation committee Dr. Anne Doig.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons is also supportive of the legislation and the amendments.

In the event that a comprehensive electronic health record is created, The Health Information Protection Amendment Act ensures that patients will have the power to block access to their personal health information once that system is in place. Furthermore, the amendments ensure that health care professionals continue to have appropriate levels of access to personal health information necessary to provide quality care.

The Act will make it clear that individuals have a right to access their personal health information and can bring concerns regarding their personal health information to the attention of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083