Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 21, 2026
Our Commitment to Privacy
Rural Health Access Canada is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information in accordance with Canadian privacy legislation including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial health information legislation.
Information We Collect
Personal Health Information
In the course of providing healthcare services, we collect personal health information including:
- Name, date of birth, contact information, and health card number
- Medical history, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment plans
- Medication information and allergies
- Laboratory and diagnostic test results
- Healthcare provider notes and assessments
- Emergency contact information
Website Information
When you visit our website, we may collect:
- IP address and browser information
- Pages visited and time spent on site
- Referring website or source
- Device and operating system information
How We Use Information
Personal health information is used for:
- Healthcare Delivery: Providing medical care, treatment, and health services
- Care Coordination: Communicating with healthcare providers involved in your care
- Appointment Scheduling: Arranging healthcare appointments and transportation
- Quality Improvement: Improving healthcare services and patient safety
- Legal Requirements: Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
- Research: De-identified health information may be used for research purposes
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We share personal health information only when necessary and appropriate:
With Your Consent
We obtain your consent before sharing information with family members, caregivers, or others you designate.
Healthcare Providers
Information is shared with physicians, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare providers directly involved in your care on a need-to-know basis.
Service Providers
Third-party service providers (laboratories, imaging facilities, pharmacies, transport services) receive only information necessary to provide services.
Legal Requirements
We disclose information when required by law, court order, or legal process, and to prevent serious harm or threat to health or safety.
Information Security
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect personal health information:
- Physical Security: Locked facilities, secure storage, and controlled access
- Technical Security: Encrypted data transmission, secure servers, and firewalls
- Administrative Security: Staff training, confidentiality agreements, and access controls
- Telehealth Security: Encrypted video consultations and secure communication platforms
Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of your personal health information
- Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for certain uses of information
- Restrict Disclosure: Request restrictions on information sharing
- File Complaints: Lodge complaints about privacy practices
Data Retention
Personal health information is retained according to legal requirements, typically a minimum of ten years from last healthcare encounter or longer as required by provincial legislation. Information is destroyed securely when no longer required.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. You can disable cookies through browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.
Children's Privacy
Healthcare services for children under 18 are provided with parental or guardian consent. We respect children's privacy while ensuring appropriate parental involvement in healthcare decisions.
Changes to Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in privacy practices or legal requirements. The effective date at the top of this policy indicates the most recent update.
Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or privacy practices, contact:
Privacy Officer
Rural Health Access Canada
150 Rural Route
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1K9
Phone: +1 807 555 6677
Email: Contact Form
Privacy Complaints
If you have concerns about privacy practices, contact our Privacy Officer. You may also file complaints with:
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
- Provincial Privacy Commissioner (as applicable)
- Provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons
Last Updated: January 21, 2026
Review Date: January 21, 2027