Privacy refers to an individual’s right to control their personal information, while confidentiality is the obligation to protect and not disclose that information without consent.
Tips & Links
In BC, patient privacy and confidentiality are protected by law, primarily through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) which applies to public health authorities and hospitals.
Things You Can Do
- Learn about your rights to privacy and confidentiality from Healthlink BC.
- Understand that your private health information is protected by policies laid out by the Ministry of Health.
- Ask your health care providers about their confidentiality practices and how they protect your personal information.
- Know who can access your medical records, and make sure your information is shared only with those you authorize.
- Ask that sensitive discussions such as your test results, diagnoses, or prognosis happen in a private setting or through secure communication channels.
- Ensure that you give explicit consent before any of your medical information is shared with third parties such as insurance companies or employers.
- Review your health information (your health profile) with your physician or nurse practitioner once a year to ensure accuracy and security.
- When using online patient portals, apps, or health websites, make sure they are secure and protect your data. Think twice or talk to your health advocate before you ever share your information on an app or online.
- Be mindful of what personal details you share in conversations, on social media, or in public spaces.
Learn More
- Learn about privacy laws and your personal health information from Aide Canada.
- Access the full text of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) for BC.
- Know that your medical health record (MHR) and your electronic health record (EHR) are owned by the health care professional or agency that created it. To access your personal health information, you’ll need written permission. Learn more at Healthlink BC.