Your Privacy

We’re committed to protecting your privacy.

Acclaim Health is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information as outlined in the Personal Health Information Protection Act (2004).

What is Personal Health Information (PHI)?

Personal health information refers to information that could identify you if used alone or in combination with other information. This includes:

Name, Address, Phone Number, Date of Birth
Health Card Number
Current and Past Medical Diagnoses
Personal History of yourself and your family
Reason(s) you need services

Why does Acclaim Health collect and use this information?

To assess your needs based on the information collected.
To provide health and social services relevant to your needs.
To share your information with others involved in planning and providing your care.
To monitor and evaluate the quality of services that you are receiving.

What are my rights regarding the sharing of my personal health information?

It is your right to decide who has access to your personal health information. All exceptions to the sharing of your information will be respected and recorded on the Privacy Consent.

Exception: For clients receiving services from the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) the LHIN can audit and inspect client records. The delivery of client records may also be required as part of our agreement with the LHIN.

What information will Acclaim Health share with other Health Team Members?

In order to meet your needs, the Acclaim Health team will communicate with other health team members that are involved with your care.

Some of these health team members may include:

Acclaim Health Team: Nurses, Personal Support Workers, Companions, Supervisors, Recreation Staff, Schedulers, Volunteers, and Palliative Care Consultants
Health Care Team: Doctor, Pharmacist, and Physiotherapist
Care Coordinator for the LHIN
Designated Family Members or Caregivers
Other Health Care or Social Agencies, registered Retirement Homes

You can withdraw consent to share personal health information at any time.

Can I make changes or corrections to my health record?

We make every effort to ensure that your personal health information is accurate and up to date. If you believe that the information is not correct, please inform your Acclaim Health staff member.

How can I request access to my health record?

If the health record is in your home, please feel free to look at it. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your Acclaim Health staff member.

If your health record is in electronic format, you can request a copy by calling our Customer Service team at 905-827-8800 or 1-800-387-7127. You will be asked to sign a release form and show photo identification before your health record is released.

Who is responsible for privacy matters at Acclaim Health?

Acclaim Health has a Privacy Officer who is responsible for ensuring that Acclaim Health staff members understand and follow privacy policies and procedures.

Consent for a Virtual Clinical Visit

Virtual visits are new to us because of the state of emergency.

Description

We use video and audio technology so we can see and hear each other.
We recommend you be in a quiet place for your virtual visit so that others cannot overhear the session (unless you want to include others in your visit – please tell us who is with you).
You will be asked for details of what is happening and your health history – these questions may be very personal and sensitive.
Details of your virtual visit will be recorded in your health record just like in an in-person visit
We will not make a recording of the virtual visit. We ask that you not record the visit either.
We may ask to take photographs if necessary to treat you – we will tell you before we take any photograph.

Limits

Virtual visits are not appropriate for emergencies – please call 9-1-1.
In certain circumstances, your nurse may choose to do an in-home/clinic visit rather than a virtual visit.

Privacy

We have taken appropriate steps to ensure that the use of virtual care technology meets legislative requirements under PHIPA.
Our staff who are doing the virtual visit may be working from home, from a quiet, private space to meet with you.

Risks

There could be a problem with the technology and your session could be cut short or interrupted.
The quality of the video or audio may not be good enough for a health care provider to assist you virtually or could negatively impact the quality of the care you receive.

The Nurse will contact you to book a virtual visit if you agree based on those limits and risks. Your consent will be documented in your electronic record.

Click here to read our full Privacy Policy