Government Seeks Input on Personal Health Information Legislation

The province is inviting the public and health organizations to offer ideas about the protection and use of personal health information.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to read the discussion paper about the proposed personal health information legislation and share their thoughts, questions and concerns.

The proposed law governs how health information is collected, used, disclosed, retained and destroyed by health-care providers in Nova Scotia.

"Personal health information is collected by government and health-care providers to help make decisions about health care, and Nova Scotians expect us to protect that information," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "The legislation we are developing will ensure clear privacy practices and policies that are the same for health-care providers anywhere in the province."

The proposed legislation would better support a system that uses electronic and paper health records. It would allow personal health information to follow people through the health-care system, whether public or private, publically funded or not.

Nova Scotians would also be told about any privacy breach of their personal health information, including theft, loss or unauthorized access.

The public consultations will help the province ensure the legislation reflects the opinions and wishes of Nova Scotians.

People can access documents and give input about the proposed legislation by:

• reading the discussion paper and proposed legislation, then filling out a questionnaire at www.gov.ns.ca/health/phia

• requesting a copy of the discussion paper and a questionnaire by calling 902-424-7058, then mailing a completed questionnaire to the Personal Health Information Project, Department of Health, 1690 Hollis St., P.O. Box 488, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2R8

The deadline to respond is Nov. 1.