Achi news desk-
A former employee at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, in Antigonish, NS, improperly accessed the personal health information of 2,690 people, according to a news release from Nova Scotia Health.
The health authority says the person responsible has been terminated and is in the process of sending letters to those affected.
“Nova Scotia Health views this as a summary offense under the Personal Health Information Act and the RCMP is currently investigating,” the statement read.
“All those affected will hear directly from Nova Scotia Health and we will be available to discuss the details of these cases with them.”
Nova Scotia Health says enrollment, demographic and clinical information was accessed.
“While we maintain confidence in the ethical practices of employees throughout our organization, we are deeply disappointed that an employee at Nova Scotia Health would engage in activity of this nature,” the statement read.
According to the health authority, employees and doctors “only have access to that information that is required for them to carry out their duties.”
Nova Scotia Health says access to records is monitored and audited. If improper access is suspected, a full investigation will take place and offenders could face penalties, including fines and jail time.
To ensure employees understand appropriate access and the obligation to keep patient information confidential, Nova Scotia Health says the following steps are being implemented:
- criminal record checks
- standard orientation for all new staff, including privacy training and compliance with Nova Scotia Health policies and procedures
- continuing education for managers and frontline staff
- privacy and confidentiality training with the requirement that all Nova Scotia Health employees complete and submit a signed confidentiality pledge.
- data access controls – only those who need access to carry out their job have access
- continuous monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activity.
Nova Scotia Health says the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nova Scotia has been notified.
