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The Ottawa Hospital keeps your personal health information in an electronic health record. Other health-care providers, who are partners in your care, may access your electronic health record if they have signed an agreement with The Ottawa Hospital.

To whom do we disclose your personal health information?

Personal health information may be disclosed to the following persons or agencies:

1. A care provider within your circle of care.
   Your personal health information will be disclosed only to care providers involved in your care unless you have expressly withheld or withdrawn your consent to do so. Examples of care providers may include your attending doctor, nurses, family doctor, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, etc. Your personal health information will never be disclosed to any care providers who are not involved in your care without your consent to do so.
2. You or your legal representative.
   Your personal health information can be disclosed to someone who may legally act on your behalf if you are unable to do so (e.g.: Power of Attorney for Personal Care, Substitute Decision-Maker).
3. Any person or agency to whom the disclosure is required by law.
   The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act and others may require that we disclose personal health information.
4. A health regulatory agency.
   We share personal health information with agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and Health Canada if health regulations or laws require it. For example, hospitals are required to provide personal health information for billing, statistical reporting, and health-care management purposes.
5. Any health-care provider partner.
   This could include hospital partners through the Atlas Alliance, community health partners and provincial electronic health record systems. Your personal health information is shared to provide seamless care across health providers and will never be disclosed to any care providers who are not involved in your care without your consent to do so.
6. Any third party you consent to.
   This could include your private insurance company or lawyer, as long as you have consented to the disclosure by signing the Consent to Release of Information form, or as required by law.

Last updated on: October 31st, 2023