Information and Privacy Commissioner Frank Work has launched an investigation into practices at Edmonton’s Northeast Community Health Centre, following a complaint to the editor of the Edmonton Journal.
The November 28 letter outlined an alleged unauthorized disclosure of health information. Capital Health has contacted the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and has launched its own internal investigation into the alleged incident. The Commissioner’s investigation will determine whether there was an unauthorized disclosure of health information resulting in a breach of the Health Information Act, and whether Capital Health has taken reasonable steps to protect patient privacy.
The report will be publicly released upon completion. Section 84 of the Health Information Act allows the Commissioner to conduct investigations to ensure compliance with the Act.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner is an independent Officer of the Legislature. The Commissioner’s mandate includes overseeing the access and privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Health Information Act.