I am pleased to be here today to discuss Bill 4, Health Information Act. This bill is detailed and complex. It deals with highly sensitive content – the personal health information of patients – and is fundamental to enabling the health system to provide better care to residents of the Northwest Territories.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner has repeatedly called on this government to move forward with health-specific privacy legislation. The Information and Privacy Commissioner has supported the Health Information Act as a way to ensure that patients’ information is properly protected, and that there is transparency and clear limits on how the health system can use and share patients’ personal health information.

Through the Health Information Act, I believe we successfully created a comprehensive and balanced approach to health privacy in the Northwest Territories. Patient information will be protected appropriately with specific safeguard requirements that reflect today’s electronic health environment.

The necessary health professionals within a patient’s circle of care will have access to the information they need to provide better care, but they will not be allowed access to patient information beyond what they need. The government lead on privacy currently rests with the Department of Justice. However, with the Health

Information Act, the Department of Health and Social Services will lead on health privacy.

On that note, delivering a public awareness campaign has always been an essential part of the department’s implementation plans for the HIA. We recognize the importance of ensuring that the public, staff and other stakeholders understand what this significant piece of legislation means for patient and practitioner rights and obligations.

We currently have posted on our website frequently asked questions about the bill and a plain language summary of the safeguard measures the Health Information Act would include. Before bringing the Health Information Act into force we would carry out more substantial public awareness activities. The department’s implementation plans also include the development and ongoing update of a user-friendly staff manual as well as the ongoing delivery of easily accessible on-line and in-person training and workshops for staff across the Northwest Territories.

I am pleased to say that during the drafting of the bill, the department undertook extensive consultations with a range of stakeholders, including:

•

the Information and Privacy Commissioner;

•

the NWT Medical Association;

•

the NWT Pharmaceutical Association;

• the Registered Nurses Association of the NWT

and Nunavut;

• the Canadian Medical Protective Association;

and

•

Canada Health Infoway.

During standing committee’s review of the bill, I was happy to be able to share numerous resource documents with the committee and to answer all of the Members’ questions on this detailed, complex piece of legislation.

I would be pleased to answer any questions Members may have today. Thank you.