Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the right to have information kept private. The notion of confidentiality is understood as covering the written medical record as well as any information disclosed by patients, their families or third parties. Confidentiality should be assumed unless specific release of information is authorised by the patient, the parents or guardian (in the case of a minor less than 14 years old) or the law.

The patient's permission is required to discuss their case with anyone outside of the medical team. If the patient is unable to communicate, health-related information may be discussed with:

• the person who has been chosen to speak on the patient's behalf
• the closest family member, or
• the patient's legal representative (if there is one).

Medical records will be treated with a similar respect for confidentiality. Staff will have access to the medical file only for the purposes related to the provision of comprehensive health care, or when engaged in facility-approved education or research. In the case of chart use in education or research, every effort will be made to ensure appropriate privacy or anonymity.

Information about patients, their health status or their care will be considered confidential within the treating team. Staff may discuss information about their patients' health condition with either members of the multidisciplinary treating team or other staff as necessary for diagnosis or treatment. The same obligation to respect confidentiality is expected of all staff who have contact with the patient. Information should be released to an outside institution or physician as needed to ensure continuity of care, but again only upon signed consent. Information may also be released without specific consent in exceptional circumstances as is allowed by law or court order.