AD-24 PHIP Paramedics

Section:  Administration
No:  AD-24
Date Revised:
Date:  10 Apr 06 

Personal Health Information Protection - Paramedics

To ensure that the Superior North EMS, its paramedics and support staff comply with legislated requirements for the collection, retention, use, disclosure, and disposal of personal health information (PHI).

Paramedics and support staff shall ensure that measures are taken to protect the privacy of PHI of our patients.  This policy is informed by the Personal Health Information and Protection Act (PHIPA), 2004.

1.  Paramedics will collect PHI that is relevant to providing pre-hospital and inter-facility care.  Paramedics will follow the "need-to-know" principle when collecting PHI, that is:

Paramedics will not collect more information than is reasonably necessary to provide safe and effective care.

Paramedics will exercise good judgement and follow BLS and ALS PCS when collecting PHI.

ACRs and other documents containing PHI will not be left unattended or unsecure at any time.  While in the paramedic's possession, ACRs will be kept in the ACR envelope and will be secured so as to prevent unauthorized viewing.  ACR envelopes will not be left on the dash board of ambulances or PRUs.

3.  Laptops containing PHI will not be left unsecured.  Vehicles containing laptops will be locked at all times when paramedics are not present and when the ambulance is outside of the EMS Station.  Measures will be taken to prevent unauthorized viewing of PHI contained on laptops. this should be more specific, i.e. password or locking device.

4.  Access to both completed paper ACRs and the electronic ACR database will be restricted to management staff.  When required, paramedics will be given access to ACRs to:

a) respond to Base Hospital ACEs; or to
b) respond to investigations.

5.  Paramedics must make efforts to refrain from having conversations that include PHI that may be overheard by those unauthorized to hear the PHI.

6.  Paramedics must not engage in conversations that include PHI with those that are not authorized to receive the PHI.

7.  All staff with access to PHI will sign a SNEMS confidentiality agreement that acknowledges their understanding of SNEMS privacy policies.

8.  Paramedics may share PHI with allied medical professionals, such as RNs, RPNs, MDs, and other care providers who are participating in the patient's care.  This is according to the "Circle of Care" principle.  Information can also be shared for approved research and educational purposes.