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Protecting Patient Privacy

On January 1, 2004, the federal government passed the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The Act set out rigorous ground rules for the management of personal information for any commercial activity in the private sector.

As part of its LifeLong Learning Program, the College produced a workbook, template forms and interactive CD to provide dentists with concise, accurate information about the legislation and how it specifically affected the health sector.

Click here to download the Purchase Form

The Personal Health Information Act, 2004, (PHIPA) came into force November 1, 2004. This provincial privacy legislation governs how personal health information may be collected, used, and disclosed within the health-care system.

Below is a list of resources produced by the College to help dentists understand PHIPA.

Compliance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act
The Guide for Dentists to Implement Ontario Health Privacy Requirement & Policies

Privacy Legislation for Ontario Dentists

PHIPA Q & A

Disclosure of Information in Emergency or other Urgent Circumstances

Informed Consent in 2001: “Don’t Leave the Office Without It”
Eleanore A. Cronk – Lax O’Sullivan Cronk
June 2001

Privacy Template Forms

These forms are in Word format and easy to customize for your office. Just fill in the blanks, and add or delete the specific details unique to your dental office. These template forms are not intended to provide legal advice – they are suggestions only.

Form A	Patient Consent Form: For Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
Form B	Patient Information Sheet: How to Access the Privacy Process in Your Office
Form C	Patient Letters: Responses to Challenges to Office Privacy Practices Letter #1 – Acknowledging receipt of the patient’s privacy complaint Letter #2 – Acknowledging that you are making a correction in the patient’s records Letter #3 – Letting the patient know that no correction will be made in his/her records Letter #4 – Acknowledging that you are making a change in the office’s privacy practices Letter #5 – Letting the patient know that no change will be made in the office’s privacy practices
Form D	Confidentiality Agreement With Independent Contractors and Suppliers
Form E	Privacy Code For Your Office