Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

If a healthcare provider is accused of breaching the privacy and confidentiality of a patient, what resource may a patient rely on to substantiate the provider's responsibility for keeping health information private?

1. CSA Fair Information Principles.

2. Federal Privacy Act.

3. PIPEDA.

4. Professional Code of Ethics.

The correct answer is: Professional Code of Ethics.

The selection of the Professional Code of Ethics as a resource is insightful because these codes are designed to outline the ethical standards and responsibilities of healthcare professionals, including obligations regarding patient privacy and confidentiality. This code emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient trust by safeguarding personal health information. In cases of alleged breaches, the Professional Code of Ethics can play a critical role in identifying the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers towards their patients. It guides professionals in understanding not just legal obligations, but also moral considerations regarding patient care and confidentiality. In contrast, although the other resources like the CSA Fair Information Principles, the Federal Privacy Act, and PIPEDA also provide frameworks for privacy protection, they generally function at the legislative or regulatory level. They detail broader requirements and rights associated with data protection but may not directly outline the ethical obligations of individual healthcare providers in the same way the Professional Code of Ethics does. Thus, while these laws and principles are pivotal, the Professional Code of Ethics stands out as a specific guide for providers regarding their responsibilities in a healthcare context, making it an essential resource for patients seeking to substantiate claims related to privacy breaches.