The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) is committed to protecting personal health information using a flexible and balanced approach that addresses privacy violations while encouraging accountability, learning, and continuous improvement. As of January 1, 2024, the...
As of January 1, 2024, the IPC has the discretion to issue administrative monetary penalties as part of its enforcement powers for violations of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Download the guidance document to learn more.
In this letter to Brian Riddell, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, the IPC makes recommendations in relation to proposed amendments to the Connecting Care Act, 2019 .
Letter to Ministry of Health on support for and approach to proposed administrative penalties under PHIPA, highlighting their importance in enforcing healthcare privacy and access rights.
Document Updated: A change to PHIPA Practice Direction #3 took effect on October 10, 2023. Learn more As of October 10, 2023 , the IPC may publish PHIPA decisions at any stage of dispute resolution, including early resolution, investigation, and adjudication. This includes publishing the name of the
This letter to Goldie Ghamari, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, was intended to present the IPC’s views on how amendments to Bill 60 can better enhance transparency and privacy protections of Ontarians’ information with respect to the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Act
Resources mentioned in the video Resources from the event: IPC Strategic Priorities (1:22) Info Matters podcast — Putting patient trust at the centre of virtual health (3:42) Securing Public Trust in Digital Healthcare (6:42) How to Protect Against Ransomware (12:54) Info Matters podcast — From the
As Schedule 4 of Bill 106, the Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness Act, 2022 (Schedule 4) would amend the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) by introducing new regulation-making powers, the IPC submitted recommendations to Ernie Hardeman Chair of the Committee Standing
This letter to Dr. Catherine Zahn, Deputy Minister of Health and Ms. Hillary Hartley, Chief Digital and Data Officer offered the IPC’s recommendations to help ensure ongoing protection of the privacy rights of Ontarians as the proof of vaccination certificate initiative continued in the province.
Our frequently asked questions on health cards and health numbers clarify who may collect, use or disclose health numbers for health care purposes, as well as the use of health cards as a proof of identity. Originally published November 2004.
