Nurses may at times be custodians of health information (also known as “trustees” in some provinces)1 by application of the law, whether or not they have previously agreed to undertake these responsibilities. Why do you need to know if you are a custodian of personal health information? All provinces and territories have now adopted legislation governing…
Read MoreQuestion 1: Are there specific privacy and confidentiality considerations an Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) should contemplate before disclosing COVID-19 vaccination statuses? Answer: Health care professionals and OHNs particularly, are already familiar with the professional and ethical obligations that require them to maintain patient confidentiality. An individual’s health information is subject to governing privacy law, whether…
Read MorePrivacy is an aspect of personal information that is legislated at a federal and provincial level. At its core, personal information implies any data that can identify an individual, such as medical history.1 Patients have a right to control their own information based on what the law permits or requires. Maintaining confidentiality is an aspect of privacy and consists…
Read MoreOccupational health nurses (OHNs) deliver a variety of healthcare services in their workplace. Some areas of concern specific to occupational health nursing (OH nursing) are: Legislation Provincial, territorial, and federal legislation affecting OH nursing includes law governing occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, employment and labour relations, and privacy. The employer must ensure compliance with…
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