Privacy

What Information We Collect

YOU always have the right to know what information is being collected and how it will be used. Depending on the support or services you receive, Support House may collect some or all of the following personal health information, as needed:

• Demographic;
• Health card number;
• Information regarding previous hospitalization, residence and other background information;
• Cognitive, communication, vision, hearing and behaviour patterns;
• Information respecting social and physical functioning and informal support services;
• Medical information (e.g., mental health and/or disease diagnoses, general health condition, dental status).
• Health Care and/or Life Plans detailing treatments, care requirements, and assistance with medical problems.
• Prescribed medications.
• Functional Assessments detailing physical and emotional functioning, allergies, and special needs.

Who We Share With and Why

We share (collect and/or disclose) information when necessary for your care or when legally permitted or required. This may include:

• Healthcare service providers who provide health care to you;
• Community healthcare agencies in your circle of care;
• Using electronic health information systems to communicate with or consult other health care providers, such as ConnectingOntario ClinicalViewer, Ontario Laboratories Information System (OLIS), or OCEAN
• Community service providers or agencies who provide support and/or services to you (e.g. Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works (OW));
• Electronic sharing systems, where applicable, to help facilitate and coordinate your care with other providers, such as Integrated Assessment Record (IAR), Client Outcome Tracking System (COTS), or Novari.
• Third parties as permitted and/or required by applicable legislation and regulation (for example, Public Health to track infections).
• Certain organizations (e.g. Ontario Health, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences) for health system planning and management.

The purposes for the collection, use and disclosure of YOUR personal health information include but are not limited to:

• Planning and delivering effective programs and services;
• Coordinating with your care providers;
• Improving and evaluating our services;
• Managing risk and error; and
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
• Conducting research (subject to certain rules under PHIPA)
• Other purposes permitted or required by law

How We Protect Your Information

Support House has appointed a Privacy Officer and maintains a comprehensive privacy program in line with best practices and the law. We use strong safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, including:

• Secure storage of your information
• Access restricted to authorized and relevant staff only
• Regular audits and privacy reviews
• Staff confidentiality agreements
• Prompt investigation and notification in case of any privacy breach

We make every reasonable effort to keep your information accurate, complete, and relevant to your care.

You Control Your Information

Your dignity, privacy, and rights are our priority when while facilitating the effective provision of the services and supports for you.

We collect your personal health information to provide the services and support you need—with your knowledge and consent. You have control over what is shared, with whom, and how. If there are specific staff members or service providers you do not want your information shared with, please speak to your support provider or our Privacy Officer. They’ll walk you through your options and what they may mean for your care. They can also support you with the following rights.

You have the right to:

• See or access your personal health information
• Request corrections or updates to your file
• Decide who can or cannot access your information
• Withdraw consent for sharing your information
• Ask questions or file a complaint about our privacy practices

Questions or Concerns?

You can reach out to your support provider or contact our Privacy Officer at any time to ask questions, make requests, or file a complaint.

Support House Privacy Officer
201-165 Cross Avenue
Suite 201
Oakville, ON L6J 0A9
P: 1-833-845-9355 E: privacy@supporthouse.ca

Further privacy concerns can be directed to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at:

2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON M4W 1A8,
Phone: 1 800 387 0073
Website: www.ipc.on.ca