Page 7 - Policies

University Health Network
Policy & Procedure Manual
Administrative: Privacy

Policy

University Health Network (UHN) maintains privacy in compliance with the Personal
Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) 2004, as well as taking into account the
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). PHIPA
establishes rules for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information
about individuals that protect the confidentiality of that information and the privacy of
individuals with respect to that information, while facilitating the effective provision of
health care. PIPEDA sets ground rules for how private sector organizations may collect,
use or disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities.

To protect patient privacy and ensure the proper use of personal health information,
UHN agents must adhere to UHN privacy policies and standards.

As a health information custodian, UHN and its agents (including employees, physicians,
contractors, consultants, volunteers, students and other workers at UHN, including all
personnel affiliated with third-parties) are responsible for ensuring that the personal
health information of our patients is treated with respect and sensitivity.

UHN will follow the standards set by PHIPA in:

 The collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information (PHI).

 Providing individuals with a right of access to PHI about themselves, subject to
limited and specific exceptions set out in PHIPA.

 Providing individuals with a right to require the correction or amendment of PHI
about themselves, subject to limited and specific exceptions set out in PHIPA.

 Providing for independent review and resolution of complaints with respect to
PHI.

 Providing effective remedies for contraventions of PHIPA.

 Providing guidance material pertaining to privacy standards.

This material has been prepared solely for use at University Health Network (UHN). UHN accepts no responsibility for use of this material by
any person or organization not associated with UHN. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form for publication without
permission of UHN. A printed copy of this document may not reflect the current, electronic version on the UHN Intranet.
Policy Number 1.40.007 Original Date 08/02
Section Privacy & Information Security Revision Dates 07/05; 11/14; 11/16
Issued By Privacy Office Review Dates
Approved By Senior Vice-president & Chief Information Page 1 of 8
Officer