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Respecting your privacy and confidentiality

Our Privacy Statement

Saskatoon Health Region is committed to respecting and ensuring the privacy, security and confidentiality of personal health information, consistent with legal requirements, guidance and direction from government and professional bodies.

See below for Health Record Requests - HIPA information.

For Access to Information, please see the Access Requests - La FOIPPA page.

Health Record Requests - HIPA

The Health Information Protection Act (HIPA)

• HIPA, which came into force on September 1, 2003, provides rules and guidelines that govern the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information in Saskatchewan.

• HIPA places duties or responsibilites on organizations and individuals in the health system, called trustees, to protect the privacy of your personal health information.

• As a trustee under HIPA, Saskatoon Health Region is committed to protecting the privacy of all personal health information.

Your Health Record ... Why We Need Your Information

• We are required to record and maintain your personal health information, including your current condition, your care plan and all care provided, and the results of all tests, procedures and therapies. Demographic information is also recorded for purposes of identification, billing, contacts and next of kin.

• Accurate health information is essential to make sure you get appropriate care.

Your Health Record ... How We Keep It Secure

• Whether your personal health information is stored in writing, on a computer, or by other means, it will be kept in a safe and secure way that protects your privacy.

• Policies, procedures and technical safeguards are in place to ensure protection of information collected, used and stored.

Your Health Record ... Access, Use and Disclosure

• You have the right to read or request a copy of your health information (click here for Request for Access to Personal Health Information form).
  

• You may also ask us to disclose your health information to a family member, friend or other third party by providing us with written consent (click here for Consent for Disclosure of Personal Health Information form).

• Members of the health care team will have access to the information they require in order to plan and provide appropriate care.

• Others, such as lawyers or insurance companies, cannot access your information unless we have your written consent.

• In some situations, the law requires information to be disclosed -- for example: gunshot and stab wounds, children in need of protection.

• When personal health information is used for research purposes, the request must have received approval from a recognized Research Ethics Board.

Your Health Information ... Other Uses

• Personal health information is sometimes used for reasons other than for provision of care, as described below.

• Records are periodically reviewed to evaluate the quality of care provided to you.

• Anyone reviewing records must follow the same privacy laws and rules required of all health care providers. These are in place to ensure appropriate access, use and disclosure for these purposes.

• Summarized information that does not identify individuals is used to create statistics for quality assurance, utilization measurement and performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns my health record?

The physical record of your health care is the property of the health care facility or region, but you are entitled to request access to that record.

What happens when I ask to see my health record?

Normally, you will be given the choice of physically viewing your health record or alternatively, receiving a copy.  In either case, you may ask for help understanding what terms, codes or abbreviations in the record mean.

How do I get a copy of my health information?

The Request for Access to Personal Health Information form should be completed and forwarded to the address on the form, however, we will accept any written request you provide.  You will be informed of charges. The copy should be provided within 30 days. If more time is required, or if your request is refused in part or in full, this will be discussed with you.

What will I be charged to access my health information?

A processing fee of $20 is charged to access your health information.  If you require copies of your information, a fee of $0.25 per page applies.  In situations of financial hardship, a fee waiver can be requested at the time of your request or you may contact the Client Representative Office.

What if I find a mistake in my health information?

If you believe there is an error or omission, you have the right to request an amendment to your health information (click here for Request for Amendment of Personal Health Information form and policy).

Who uses my personal health information?

Team members involved in your health care access information on a “need to know” basis. Your health care team may consist of many health care providers.

If You Have Questions ...

If you have questions about privacy of your health information or about your health record, please speak with:

the health care provider involved in your care

or

Saskatoon Health Region
Privacy and Compliance Department

darcy.hryn@saskatoonhealthregion.ca

306.655.7677

bobbylynn.stewart@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
306.655.7678

If you are dissatisfied with the response from the Saskatoon Health Region, you can contact:

Office of the Saskatchewan Information

and Privacy Commissioner
1.877.748.2298

www.oipc.sk.ca