BR Mental Health Privacy – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Jun 13, 2016 3:00

HALIFAX – A problem facing health care professionals has caught the attention of experts across the country: when should family members be told about a patient’s struggle with mental health issues?

It’s an issue that’s prompted authorities to defend a difficult balancing act between patient confidentiality and disclosure.

In Nova Scotia, the province is reviewing the rules around the disclosure of information under its health privacy laws.

Health Minister Leo Glavine says public institutions often default to citing privacy laws when people are seeking information.

Glavine says the province wants to examine when it might be appropriate to give information to families, especially in the case of young adults.

Ann Cavoukian, of the Privacy and Big Data Institute at Ryerson University, is adamant that when it comes to mental health in particular the laws must protect the confidentiality of the patient.

She says provisions already exist in privacy laws that allow physicians or therapists to contact people if a person’s life is at stake.

Cavoukian says it’s a fine line and a responsibility that has to be taken seriously.

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(The Canadian Press)

INDEX: HEALTH NATIONAL JUSTICE ATLANTIC POLITICS