Pan-Canadian Health Information Privacy and Confidentiality Framework

Canadians expect and have confidence that the privacy and confidentiality of their personal information will be protected when governments use it in the course of providing programs and services. In no field is the maintenance of this trust more critical than in the health sector.

Recognizing the importance of privacy, the Federal/ Provincial/Territorial Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health tasked its Advisory Committee on Information and Emerging Technologies to develop a Pan-Canadian Health Information Privacy and Confidentiality Framework. The objective of the Framework is to respond to Canadians' privacy and confidentiality expectations and to suggest a harmonized set of core provisions for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information in both the publicly and privately funded sectors. Consistent, or at least more consistent, privacy regimes among jurisdictions would facilitate health care renewal, including the development of electronic health record systems and primary health care reform.

The Framework is a valuable tool to inform and influence any privacy legislative process within jurisdictions affecting personal health information. Since the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) applies in jurisdictions which, unlike Quebec and British Columbia, have not adopted "substantially similar" legislation, the Framework can also serve as a guide to achieving that objective. However, it is also understood that it is only a guide, not a prescription. The actual intent and wording of jurisdictional legislation will ultimately determine whether the legislation can result in an exemption from PIPEDA. Quebec did not participate in the development of the Framework, while Saskatchewan withdrew near the end of the process.

For more information on Pan-Canadian Health Information Privacy and Confidentiality Framework please visit - http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/pubs/ehealth-esante/2005-pancanad-priv/index_e.html
Health and the Information Highway Division, Health Canada January 27, 2005

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) Solution Blueprint

A roadmap for planning and implementation in Canada
The Blueprint is focused on interoperability - the capability of computer systems to seamlessly communicate with one another. It provides guidance for integrating the approximately 40,000 existing health information systems in use across the country, while remaining flexible to allow for incorporating new and better information systems and capabilities. The Blueprint, based on extensive consultations and collaboration, is a useful tool for information technology professionals in governments, health regions and hospitals who plan to implement Electronic Health Record solutions. It is also valuable for technology vendors who want to align their products and services with the vision for the interoperable Electronic Health Record.

To access a (Flash-based) overview of Canada Health Infoway's initiatives please visit:
http://knowledge.infoway-inforoute.ca/EHRSRA/flash/index_big.html

The EHRS Blueprint is a technology framework for sharing health information securely and appropriately across Canada. Based on extensive collaboration, it's a valuable tool for governments, health regions, hospitals and technology vendors who are involved in implementing Electronic Health Record solutions. The revised version of the Blueprint is now available. Incorporated into the EHRS Blueprint, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Privacy and Security conceptual Architecture (PSA) helps ensure that future interoperable EHR systems will comply with federal / provincial / territorial, as well as cross-jurisdictional Privacy and Security (P&S) requirements.

To view Canada Health Infoway’s latest EHR Blueprint please visit:
http://knowledge.infoway-inforoute.ca/en/knowledge-centre/ehrs-blueprintv2.aspx

Canada Health Infoway Passport

The Infoway Passport is your key to the various tools and services offered by Canada Health Infoway.
With an Infoway Passport, you may subscribe to newsletters on Electronic Health Records, access Infoway's e-Health Knowledge Way - the gateway to bilingual resources for all topics related to the implementation of the Electronic Health Record - as well as access to, with proper authorization, discussion forums, toolkits, and private website sections. With an Infoway Passport, you have only one password to remember, and voilà! you're in!

To register for your Infoway Passport visit: http://www.infoway-inforoute.ca/en/InfowayPassport/InfowayPassport.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fknowledge.infoway-inforoute.ca%2fen%2fDefault.aspx