The Department of Health and Community Services is seeking input and recommendations as it looks to improve and modernize legislation regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information.

This public consultation is part of a review of the Personal Health Information Act, which is required every five years. The review also includes an analysis of personal health information legislation in other jurisdictions, written submissions and interviews with stakeholders across the province and country. The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner will also be engaged throughout the review. In February, a contract was awarded to INQ Consulting and INQ Law to assist the department with the review.

An online questionnaire will gather information regarding the public’s perceptions about privacy and how their information is protected. This feedback will help ensure that the Act serves the needs of the public and any amendments are considered.

Participants will be asked questions on a variety of topics, such as their familiarity with the current Act, their ability to request a correction of their personal health information, and options available to file complaints with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The questionnaire is available on engageNL.ca until May 24, 2023. Residents who require an alternate format or prefer to provide a written submission are encouraged to contact phiareview@gov.nl.ca. All feedback received will be evaluated and considered by the department during the review.

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“It’s important that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians know their rights about their personal health information. This questionnaire is an important step in our review of the Personal Health Information Act. It will provide us with valuable feedback on how we can modernize the legislation and ensure it serves everyone in the province efficiently. I encourage everyone in the province to participate.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Statutory Review of Personal Health Information Act to Begin