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Medicine Hat News
Legislation to safeguard the
confidentiality and security of Albertans’ health information
was introduced in the Legislature Monday.
The Health Information Amendment Act,
known as Bill 52, focuses on protecting a wider range of individual
health information, including health services that are paid for
privately.
“Albertans need to be assured that
government is taking appropriate precautions to protect their
personal health information,” said Health and Wellness
Minister Ron Liepert. “This proposed legislation improves
upon and strengthens that protection.”
Electronic health records are an
increasingly important tool, allowing health care providers to
appropriately access the health information they need to improve
patient safety and care delivery. Bill 52 provides a legislative
framework for Alberta Netcare, Alberta’s provincial
electronic health record, as well as the electronic health record
information systems of others.
“This legislation ensures that
health information is secure in whatever medium it is provided,
especially electronic means,” Liepert added.
“Electronic health records are increasingly important to
providing safe care and our government must maintain the security
of the information included.”
The proposed amendments also support
health research by recognizing the role of health information
repositories and facilitating health researchers’ requests
for data. Disclosure provisions are enhanced to authorize
custodians to disclose health information to health professional
bodies for the purpose of lodging complaints with those bodies.
Expanded powers for the Information and
Privacy Commissioner will provide for greater cooperation with
other provinces in activities and complaints. |
