Our Privacy Policy provides rules for the collection, use, disclosure and retention of health information. It is based on 10 internationally recognized "privacy principles" or fair information practices.
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UHN Privacy Policy
Principle 1 – Accountability for Personal Information
UHN is responsible for personal information under its custody or control and has designated an individual, the Corporate Privacy Officer, who is accountable for UHN's compliance with the following principles.
Principle 2 – Identifying Purposes for the Collection of Personal Information
UHN, at or before the time personal information is collected, will identify the purposes for which personal information is collected. The primary purposes are the delivery of direct patient care, the administration of the health care system, to conduct research and statistics and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Principle 3 – Consent for the Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information
The knowledge and consent of the individual are required for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information, except where inappropriate.
Principle 4 – Limiting Collection of Personal Information
The collection of personal information will be limited to that which is necessary for the purposes identified by UHN. Information will be collected by fair and lawful means.
Principle 5 – Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention of Personal Information
Personal information will not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law. Personal information will be retained only as long as necessary for the fulfilment of those purposes.
Principle 6 – Ensuring Accuracy of Personal Information
Personal information will be as accurate, complete and up-to-date as is necessary for the purposes for which it is to be used.
Principle 7 – Ensuring Safeguards for Personal Information
Security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information will protect personal information.
Principle 8 – Openness about Personal Information Policies and Practices
UHN will make readily available to individuals specific information about its policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
Principle 9 – Individual Access to their own Personal Information
Upon request, an individual will be informed of the existence, use and disclosure of his or her personal information and will be given access to that information. An individual will be able to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information and have it amended as appropriate.
Principle 10 – Challenging Compliance with UHN's Privacy Policies and Practices
An individual will be able to address a challenge concerning compliance with the above principles to the Corporate Privacy Officer.
