To date, the pandemic has not resulted in privacy legislation being relaxed in Alberta. ACSLPA members need to be informed of the legislation that specifically applies to their own practice setting.
For example, members working for AHS will fall under the Health Information Act (HIA), members in private practice fall under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), and members working for school boards and certain other agencies will most often fall under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).
In addition to legislation, members should take general steps to protect privacy as well. When providing services, make sure that your session cannot be overheard or seen by others in your home/office. Ensure your camera doesn’t show personal information about your home/office to the client (e.g., keep those lunch containers and personal mail out of view).
It is strongly recommended that you do not leave your email, phone numbers, addresses, or locations on any online social media forums. Provide clients with a method to contact you directly.