Alberts'a new health information act gears up for implementation

Alberta RN, Nov/Dec 2000

In December 1999, the provincial government passed a new Health Information Act. The act was the result of more than three years of consultation with representatives of physicians, nurses, health authorities, other health system organizations, and members of the public.

The purpose of the Health Information Act (HIA) is to ensure that health information can be shared appropriately among people who work in the health system and, at the same time, to put clear rules in place to safeguard and protect individuals' personal health information.

Key features of the new Alberta legislation include the following:

The act maintains the critical importance of the patient-physician relationship.

Custodians such as physicians, pharmacists, and health authorities have the primary responsibility for protecting and safeguarding health information.

Physicians, health authorities and other custodians are responsible for explaining to their patients why information is being collected and how it will be used, shared and protected. Nurses can expect to play an important role in fulfilling this responsibility.

* Individuals have the right to access their health information and know why it is being collected. They can also ask for corrections to be made to their health records.

* Limits are placed on information that can be collected, used and disclosed. Only the least amount of information with the highest amount of anonymity can be collected, used and disclosed.

* Clear rules are put in place for collecting, using and disclosing any health information that identifies individuals.

Except for certain circumstances, an individual's consent is required before information is used or disclosed.

Rules are set for disclosing information for research purposes. The rules rely heavily on ethics committees to decide whether or not researchers should have access to personal health information, whether consent is required, and other important questions related to research.

Special rules are in place for electronic information.

* The Information and Privacy Commissioner plays a key role in reviewing decisions, doing investigations, providing advice and resolving disputes.

* Penalties can be levied if the rules of the act are broken.

Since the act was passed, extensive work has been underway. Organizations representing physicians, nurses, pharmacists and health authorities have been actively involved in developing regulations and implementation plans.

Training for HIA now underway

This fall, an extensive training and information program will begin. Comprehensive training packages are being prepared for physicians, their office staff, nurses, pharmacists, and people who work in health regions. These packages will include an overview of how the Health Information Act will work, an implementation guide, a policy manual and other support materials. This information will be available both in print form and on a CD ROM. Instructor-led training to assist physicians and their staff in implementing the Health Information Act will be held in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Grande Prairie during Nov. 15, 2000 - Dec. 15, 2000. A schedule of dates and locations and more information on these courses will be available shortly.

Information tn help the nubile

Public information materials also are being prepared. These packages will explain what people can expect to happen in their doctors' office, in a hospital, in home care, or in community programs. People will be given information about the basic rules that safeguard their personal health information. And the rules for asking to see their personal health records and for requesting corrections will be explained. These materials will be made widely available for use in physicians' offices, hospitals, pharmacies and all other locations where personal health records are kept.

Because of their first-hand contact with patients and their families, nurses will play a critical role in answering questions, explaining policies, and making sure that the necessary rules are followed.

Implementation will not happen overnight. Physicians, nurses and other custodians will have time to get familiar with the new rules and assess the kind of changes they may need to make in their offices and in their dealings with patients and other custodians. Training and support will be available from Alberta Health and Wellness.

Watch for further updates and information about implementation plans for Alberta's new Health Information Act. If you have questions or want further information, check out the Alberta Health and Wellness website or contact:

Alberta Health and Wellness

Health Information Act Implementation

Office

(780) 422-8642