Privacy: Your Data
This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Personal information includes any identifying information about you, including your physical and mental health. We are committed to protecting your privacy, and everyone working at this clinic is required to follow the practices described here.
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This policy was developed in compliance with the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). If you have any questions about our privacy practices, please speak with your physician or any member of our staff.
Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
What personal information do we collect?
​We collect the following personal information:
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Identification and contact details (name, address, date of birth, phone number, emergency contact, etc.)
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Billing information (provincial health plan and/or private insurer)
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Health information (symptoms, diagnoses, medical history, test results, reports, treatments, allergies, prescriptions, etc.)
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Why do we collect your personal information?
We collect your personal information to identify you, provide you with care, administer our services, and communicate with you. We collect only what is needed for those purposes, and do not use your information for any other purpose without your explicit consent — except where required by law.
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When and to whom do we disclose your information?​
Implied consent for care
By seeking care at this clinic, you are understood to consent to your information being used to provide that care, and to be shared with other health care providers involved in your care.
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Disclosure to other health care providers
This implied consent includes sharing your information with other providers involved in your care — such as specialists, pharmacists, lab technicians, physiotherapists, and others.
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Disclosures required by law
In some circumstances we are legally required to disclose your personal information without your consent. These include billing MSP or provincial health plans, reporting infectious diseases or fitness-to-drive concerns, and complying with court orders.
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Disclosures to all other parties
Your explicit consent is required before we share your information with any other third parties. This includes medical examinations for non-care purposes, clinical research trials, and sharing records with insurance companies.
Withdrawing consent
​You may withdraw consent for us to collect or share your personal information at any time by giving us reasonable notice, except where collection or disclosure is required by law. Please speak with your physician first so we can explain any implications of doing so.
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Use of AI Ambient Scribe Technology
Our clinic uses AI-assisted ambient scribe tools to help physicians create accurate clinical notes. During your appointment, the tool listens to the conversation between you and your physician and generates a draft note, which the physician reviews, edits, and approves before it becomes part of your record. These tools are used only to support clinical documentation — not for any other purpose.
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Your consent
​Your physician or a staff member will ask for your verbal consent before the ambient scribe is used in any appointment. You are free to decline, and doing so will have no impact on the care you receive. You may also withdraw consent at any point during the appointment.
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How your data is handled
Ambient scribe tools used at this clinic are selected in accordance with BC physician privacy guidelines and are required to store and process patient data within Canada. Data captured during your appointment is used solely to generate your clinical note and is not shared with third parties for any other purpose. Notes produced by these tools form part of your medical record and are protected by the same safeguards described in this policy.
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If you have questions about the ambient scribe or how your data is handled, please speak with your physician or contact our Privacy Manager.
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Your Rights as a Patient
Accessing your records
You have the right to access your medical record in a timely manner. Requests can be made verbally or in writing to your physician or our staff. A copy of your record is available for a minimal fee. If you wish to view the original record in person, a staff member must be present and a minimal fee may apply.
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Limitations on access
In rare circumstances, access to your records may be limited — for example, if providing access would pose a significant risk to you or another person.
Correcting inaccuracies
If you identify an inaccuracy in your record, you can request a correction. A note will be added to your file to reflect the change.
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Safeguards
Security of your information
We use a combination of physical, technological, and administrative safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of your information. These measures protect against loss, theft, and unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification.
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Communications
We protect your personal information in all formats and have specific procedures in place for communicating by phone, email, fax, and mail.
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Retention
We retain patient records for a minimum of 16 years, or as otherwise required by law and professional regulations.
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Disposal
When records are no longer required, they are destroyed securely and irreversibly, in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC guidelines.
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Questions, Concerns and Complaints
If you have a question or concern about how your information has been handled, please contact us:
Seawatch Medical Clinic
203-2276 S Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC V9W 1C3
Tel: 250 923 1189
Privacy Manager: director@seawatchmedical.ca
If you feel your concern has not been addressed, you may also contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC or the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner for BC.