It is not a threat to the physician-patient relationship. On the contrary, Bill 40 recognizes the critical role of the physician in respecting the wishes of the individual. The exceptions to this rule are extremely restricted and few in number.
Individual consent is required before personal health information can be transmitted electronically.
Establishes an independent review and arbitration process through the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner when disagreements about the disclosure or access to health information arise. Requires a full Privacy Impact Assessment for review of the Privacy Commissioner if the Minister of Health requests health information from custodians that is not already authorized in law. Requires any collection and use of information to be based on collecting the least amount of information possible while maintaining the highest degree of anonymity. Without this legislation there is considerable risk that their health information could be disclosed inappropriately. The legislation is a result of almost three years of extensive consultation, discussion and debate and it is now time to put these safeguards in place.