Personal Health Information Act Under Review

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Government will consult with Nova Scotians and organizations that handle personal health information as part of a mandatory three-year review of the Personal Health Information Act.

The act came into effect in June 2013 to balance Nova Scotians’ right to privacy with how their personal health information is collected, managed, disclosed and disposed.

“Safeguarding personal health information is a priority we all share,” said Finance Minister Randy Delorey on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “Government wants to hear from Nova Scotians, health-care providers, organizations and groups, about how the Personal Health Information Act can be improved.”

The review will look at:
— how the act is currently working
— how custodians of personal health information are interpreting and applying the act
— what new developments have taken place in personal health information and privacy legislation since 2013.

Nova Scotians can provide their input online by completing a survey in English or French or download the survey and mail in their responses.

The survey is available at www.novascotia.ca/dhw/phia/survey.

Nova Scotians can also request a paper copy by calling the Privacy and Access office toll-free at 1-855-640-4765.

Consultation will run from Feb. 3 to March 3.

The province will also consult directly with organizations that handle personal health information who, under the act, collect, manage, disclose and dispose of personal health information.

The province has until May 31 to complete the review.

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Source: Release