Released on March 28, 2007
Amendments to The Health Information Protection Regulations are now in force, to ensure a balance between public safety and the protection of personal health information.
“Keeping Saskatchewan communities safe is a top priority of our government,” Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. “These changes to The Health Information Protection Regulations clarify for health workers and the police what personal health information may be requested and disclosed to the police about a patient during an investigation. The purpose of these amendments is to protect individuals’ personal health information and, at the same time, ensure the safety of communities in our province.”
Quennell said that Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia have operated with similar regulations for years, and that it will improve communication between the health sector and police agencies in Saskatchewan.
Police may request personal health information from health authorities only when they conduct Criminal Code or Controlled Drugs and Substances Act enforcement or investigations. Police could also be executing an arrest warrant, serving a subpoena or locating a missing person.
Emergency response team members such as acute and emergency care providers will be allowed to provide specific personal health information to police, where appropriate. The information that can be released is limited to the health facility where the individual received health services and/or the nature and severity of an injury suffered by the individual. Health care providers and police officers will receive training about their responsibilities under these amendments.
Health workers and the police will have to assess each case to determine what information is needed and why it is needed. As well, under the amendments, limited personal health information may be released to the Chief Coroner or coroners for an investigation or inquest.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew Dinsmore
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8606
Email: adinsmore@justice.gov.sk.ca