Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Privacy Notice

Effective Date: June 15, 2023

I. NOTICE OF USE AND DISCLOSURE OF YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
This notice outlines how your personal health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed, and how you can access that information. Please review it carefully.

II. MY LEGAL OBLIGATION TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
As a health care professional in private practice, I am legally required to protect the privacy of your PHI—any information that may identify you and that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health or treatment, or to payment for such services.

This notice describes how, when, and why I may use or disclose your PHI.

Use refers to internal sharing within my practice.
Disclosure refers to sharing with individuals or entities outside of my practice.
I am obligated to use or disclose only the minimum necessary PHI to accomplish the intended purpose and to follow the privacy practices outlined in this notice.

Please note: I reserve the right to update or change this Privacy Notice at any time. Changes may apply retroactively to any PHI I already hold. The latest version of this notice will be available in my office and on my website at www.yourgrowth**counselling**.com. 

III. HOW YOUR PHI MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED

A. Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Your Written Consent
1.For Treatment – I may share your PHI with other health professionals involved in your care (e.g., psychiatrists, physicians).
2.For Payment – I may use your PHI to invoice and receive payment for services, including with billing companies and insurers.
3.For Health Care Operations – I may use PHI to assess service quality or comply with legal standards (e.g., accountants, lawyers).
4.Emergencies – I may disclose your PHI in urgent situations when obtaining consent is not possible.

B. Certain Uses and Disclosures That Also Do Not Require Consent
When required by law (e.g., child abuse reporting, legal proceedings)
Public health activities (e.g., public health reporting)
Health oversight (e.g., regulatory investigations)
Research (in approved circumstances)
To prevent harm (e.g., serious threats to safety)
Government functions (e.g., military, national security)
Workers’ compensation (as required by provincial/federal law) 
Appointment reminders or alternative treatment information

C. Uses and Disclosures That May Require Your Opportunity to Object
To family, friends, or caregivers – I may disclose PHI to those involved in your care unless you object.

D. Uses and Disclosures That Require Written Authorisation 
For all other situations not listed above, I will obtain your prior written authorisation.
You may revoke that authorisation in writing at any time (unless I have already acted upon it).

IV. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI

A. Right to Request Restrictions
You may request limits on how I use or disclose your PHI. While I’m not required to agree, I will document any accepted restrictions.

B. Right to Request Confidential Communications
You can request to receive communications at alternate addresses or by alternate means (e.g., email instead of mail).

C. Right to Access and Copies
You may request to view or receive copies of your PHI. Requests must be in writing. I will respond within 15 days. A reasonable copy fee may apply. You may also request a summary, subject to advance agreement.

D. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures made in the past six years, excluding routine disclosures (e.g., for treatment or payment). I will respond within 60 days.

E. Right to Correct or Amend
You may request corrections to your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. Requests must be in writing. I will respond within 60 days, and provide reasons if a request is denied. You have the right to submit a statement of disagreement.

F. Right to Receive This Notice by Email
You may request this notice by email. You are also entitled to a paper copy at any time.

V. HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or disagree with a decision regarding your PHI, you may file a complaint with the contact listed below or directly with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.

VI. CONTACT FOR INFORMATION OR COMPLAINTS

Peter Cellarius

620 View Street #303 Victoria, BC V8W 1Y5

peter@yourgrowthcounseling.com 

 408-831-2974

VII. EFFECTIVE DATE

This notice is effective as of June 15, 2023.