Commissioner Investigates Steps Taken to Ensure Accuracy of Health Information Following Media Report of Stolen Alberta Health Card

August 23, 2010

On August 19, 2010, my Office was advised by the media that an individual had presented a stolen Alberta Health card before receiving health services under the card holder’s name at an Alberta Health Services facility. It is alleged the individual subsequently died and was buried under the name of the actual card holder, which has caused identity problems for him.

The Health Information Act (HIA) allows me to conduct investigations to ensure compliance with any provisions of the HIA. I have decided to conduct an investigation to examine what steps are reasonable to take to ensure health information is accurate and complete before it is used by a health services provider.

A report will be publicly released once the investigation is complete.