The Legault government is taking a further step towards digital transformation in the health network. The Health and Social Services Information Act, which will allow the creation of a digital health record following the patient’s journey, will come into force on July 1.
This law will allow patients to no longer have to repeat their medical history to the various providers they consult, because this medical history, previous consultations or other data will follow them throughout their care journey.
According to the office of the Minister of Health, patient information will be well protected. “I am very proud to contribute to these efforts by ensuring, with the teams of my ministry, the protection of citizens’ data, a principle on which no compromise must be made,” declared in a press release the Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology, Éric Caire.
The person will be able to view their own information and know who viewed it. It may, among other things, be informed of the date and time of access, the nature of the use and the communication.
Under certain conditions, researchers may also use data for research projects, with the implicit consent of patients.
The law provides that a researcher linked to an organization, a public establishment or an approved private establishment which operates a hospital center may be informed of the existence of information held by an organization which is necessary for the carrying out of research. a research project and have access to it, unless the person concerned has refused access to this information.
The Commission for Access to Information will be responsible for monitoring the application of the law and ensuring compliance and promotion of the protection of information, in particular through awareness-raising means.
In a press release, the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, stressed that this law was part of his efforts to make the health network more efficient.
“With the entry into force of the law, we are taking a major step forward so that Quebecers have a better experience in their health and social services network. This is another of the in-depth changes to the Health Plan that we have been making for two years now,” declared Mr. Dubé.
The Health and Social Services Information Bill was introduced in December 2022 and passed on March 30 of the following year.