On April 1st 2011 the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) became law in Newfoundland and Labrador. This act has rules that direct how physiotherapists collect, use and disclose your personal information.
Physiotherapists in Newfoundland and Labrador will collect personal and health information during your initial assessment and throughout your subsequent visits. This information will be recorded in your chart. They will only collect information that is necessary to use in the development of a treatment/care plan. They may need to disclose this information to other health care professionals or institutions in order to provide you with appropriate health care. If your information is needed for other purposes (i.e. legal reasons) your permission is required.
Physiotherapists are also responsible for keeping your records accurate, secure and accessible to you as well as retain and dispose of your records appropriately.
For more information about PHIA please consult the Newfoundland and Labrador government website www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/PHIA
