PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OF CLIENTS’ PERSONAL
INFORMATION
In accordance with federal privacy legislation, GPS Incorporated
has established these policies concerning the collection
and protection of confidential information.
Dr. Myles Genest, Chief Psychologist, is the Privacy Officer
for GPS.
What information is collected and for what purpose?
Personal information includes name, telephone number and
other contact and basic demographic information. Personal
information about health includes notes and other data that
the psychologist keeps concerning assessment and treatment,
as well as information about previous services that may have
been received. This information is collected for a number
of purposes:
- To
identify clients and associated records;
- To
contact clients when necessary (e.g., concerning appointment
changes);
- To
keep track of contacts with clients;
- For
administrative and accounting purposes, including collecting
payments due and billing of third party payers;
- To
document and to assist in developing and implementing
appropriate assessment, diagnosis and treatment and continuity
of care.
Consent
Consent is obtained at the initial session. Following that,
by continuing to participate in assessment, counselling or
therapy, the client continues to consent to the collection,
use, and disclosure of personal information for care and
treatment purposes.
What you can expect
- Personal
information will not be used, disclosed, or retained
for purposes other than those for which it was collected,
except with the consent of the client.
- Some
personal information may be disclosed without the client’s
consent if required or authorized by law.
- Personal
information will be disclosed to third-party payers only
as necessary to ensure payment for services or to ensure
continuity of care.
- Every
effort is made to ensure the accuracy of personal information.
- Personal
information, both on paper and electronically, is stored
securely.
Your rights
- A
client’s
personal information protection rights include knowing
why personal information is collected, how it is used,
and to whom it is disclosed.
- Clients
have a right to request appropriate access to their personal
information. A fee may be charged for costs associated
with this access.
- Clients
have the right to challenge the accuracy and completeness
of their information and to seek amendment to that information.
- Clients
should direct any requests for access to their information
to the Practice Manager.
- Clients
may question the compliance of GPS with the principles
of privacy legislation. All psychologists and staff at
GPS are able to advise clients how to address this issue.
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