PRIVACY REGULATIONS CHANGE WILL ENHANCE HEALTH FUNDRAISING

The provincial government has approved a change to health privacy regulations to allow the limited use of the names and addresses of former hospital patients for fundraising by Saskatchewan health foundations.

The amended regulations will allow Saskatchewan health organizations to use basic contact information of former hospital patients for fundraising purposes, as soon as revised privacy safeguards are in place.

After consultation with privacy advocates, health regions, hospital administrators and affiliated fundraising foundations, the regulatory change will limit the amount of information used, and includes a process for individuals to opt out of having their information shared with fundraisers.

"The intention of this change is to make it easier for publicly-funded health facilities to identify people who might be motivated to donate, while maintaining meaningful protection of patients' privacy," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This change balances the tremendous benefit that local donations provide for health facilities and services, with the privacy rights of individuals."

The amendment to the Health Information Protection Regulations was approved last week, and comes into effect in May. No health region will be able to use or share that information until it has put in place the required privacy safeguards and has offered patients the ability to opt out of having their information shared.

"Saskatchewan individuals, whose lives and good health have been preserved or enhanced through the use of our hospital services, often want to give back," St. Paul's Hospital Foundation CEO Cathy Chrones said. "This regulation change helps Saskatchewan Hospital Foundations provide an opportunity for former patients to contribute to the development of health care in our province."

Information made available is limited to the name and address of people who receive hospital services after the regulation comes into effect. Information about vulnerable patients, such as children and long-term care residents, won't be included.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Ministry of Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083