At Medi-Share, protecting the privacy and security of personal information is essential and is fundamental to our values and to the way we do business.

Medi-Share currently has privacy policies and practices in place that meet the requirements of all applicable laws, rules and regulations. Privacy legislation requires organizations to have such policies, practices and programs in place that demonstrate the strong, commonly accepted privacy standard that the public expects. These laws are based on ten internationally recognized principles. Medi-Share incorporates these principles into our business practices:

• Accountability:
We are all accountable to protect the privacy of personal information. Medi-Share has designated Privacy Officers for each of our Provincial locations. These Officers will assist the organization in incorporating the principles and complying with the privacy laws that apply to us. The Privacy Officers are available to answer questions about the application of privacy laws to individual situations as well as to receive concerns or questions about compliance. Medi-Share trains its employees to follow written privacy policies and operational procedures, and also performs ongoing reviews of our privacy practices.

• Identifying Purposes:
Medi-Share identifies the purposes for which it collects, uses and discloses personal information at or before the time it is collected from an individual.

• Consent:
Medi-Share obtains an individual’s consent before we collect, use or disclose personal information. There are some situations where Medi-Share uses implied consent (for example, when Medi-Share provides services at the request of a healthcare practitioner).

• Limiting Collection:
Medi-Share collects only the personal information that we need in order to provide services and manage the business. Information is collected by fair and lawful means.

• Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention:
Medi-Share uses or discloses personal information only for purposes identified or with the consent of the individual or as required by law. Medi-Share retains it only as long as necessary.

• Accuracy:
Medi-Share collects and maintains personal information that is as accurate, complete, and up-to-date as possible to be used for the identified purposes.

• Safeguards:
Medi-Share has appropriate security, physical and administrative safeguards in place to protect personal information.

• Openness:
Medi-Share maintains and communicates clearly defined procedures for informing individuals about our privacy policies and practices.

• Individual Access:
Upon written request, Medi-Share informs individuals of the existence, use, and disclosure of their personal information. When appropriate, Medi-Share provides access to that information and allows the individual to question its accuracy and completeness.

• Challenging Compliance:
Individuals may direct concerns regarding Medi-Share’ compliance with these principles to the local Privacy Office. All concerns will be investigated and the results communicated. Medi-Share remains firmly committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information in our care.

For further information regarding our Privacy Program, please contact the Privacy Officer in your local Medi-Share office location, or send an e-mail to our confidential mailbox at clientservices@medishare.ca