Protecting the Privacy of Clients’ Personal Information
In accordance with federal privacy legislation, the Clinic of Applied Psychology (CAP) has established these policies concerning the collection and protection of confidential information.
Christine Arsenault (psychologist), is the Privacy Officer for the CAP.
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 (see below for more details).
- 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.
Limits to confidentiality:
Exceptions to confidentiality include the legal obligations to:
- Inform a potential victim of violence of the client’s intention to inflict harm.
- Inform appropriate health care or authorities of a client’s intention to end his/her life.
- Release a client’s file if it is subpoenaed by a court of law.
- If acting as a witness in Court, under oath, answer the questions asked by the Court.
- Answer all questions of the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick if the psychologist’s ethical conduct is under investigation.
- Inform the proper authorities of the abuse or exploitation of a child, a senior citizen or a handicapped person.
- Report a health professional who abused or exploited a client or patient.
Your rights
- A client’s 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 CPA with the principles of privacy legislation.