Released on September 2, 2003 The Government of Saskatchewan has set in law new rules enforcing the protection of an individual's personal health information while ensuring health professionals and other health organizations have appropriate access to information in order to provide quality health care.
The Health Information Protection Act (HIPA), was proclaimed September 1st, 2003, and brings into force new rules for the collection, use, disclosure and management of personal health information in Saskatchewan. Increased health sector accountability is a key element of the government's Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care.
"Our government is committed to keeping Saskatchewan citizens' personal health information confidential and secure," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are building strong walls of protection around patient information and ensuring strict criteria must be met in order to share information between health professionals and other groups covered by this new law. The law strikes a balance between high levels of security and effectiveness in managing and sharing personal health information."
The Act applies to "trustees" or individuals and organizations that have personal health information under their custody and control. Trustees, including Regional Health Authorities, members of regulated health professions and government departments and agencies, will have a legal duty to protect the integrity, accuracy and confidentiality of personal health information. A third party commissioner can review disputes about personal health information, and there are significant penalties for violations of the Act.
Support for HIPA is the result of extensive consultation, which began in 1997, with input from physicians, nurses, and other health care providers, as well as health care organizations and the public.
The Act and additional information are available on the Saskatchewan Health Web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca
For More Information, Contact:
| Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083 |