Steinbach MLA and Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced that the Manitoba government is inviting residents to provide input on two pieces of privacy legislation.
“The review of The Personal Health Information Act will help ensure Manitoba is getting the balance right between respecting personal health information and ensuring patient needs are being met,” said Goertzen. “Patient and family experience will be an important part of the review and we look forward to hearing from Manitobans.”
The province is seeking input on The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) came into force in 1997 and was significantly amended in 2010 and 2011. The legislation provides a right of access for an individual to their personal health information. The act also protects personal health information by setting rules for the collection, use, disclosure, security and destruction of this information by public bodies and health-care providers.
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) came into force in 1998 and was significantly amended in 2011. FIPPA provides a right of access to information in records held by public bodies. It also protects personal information by setting rules for the collection, use and disclosure by public bodies.
Legislation calls for the two pieces of legislation to undertake regular reviews. The last review of FIPPA and PHIA was undertaken in 2004.
“We are pleased to invite Manitobans to take part in the review and consultation process of our current privacy legislations,” said Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires. “Much has changed since the last review as technology has advanced and social media has progressed. We want to hear from the public to ensure these pieces of legislation continue to be effective and serve the needs of all citizens of our province.”
Public consultations will begin on March 31 and remain open until May 31.
To review information about and possible issues related to FIPPA, visit www.gov.mb.ca/fippareview.
