NB 635
May 23, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - Health Minister Michael Murphy today announced the creation of the Personal Health Information Task Force, to consult New Brunswickers on accessing and protecting personal health information.
"Advancements like the creation and use of electronic health records enable health providers and administrators to improve patient care and health system performance, through the rapid sharing of personal health information," Murphy said. "These advancements are matched by an obligation to properly use and protect information. That's why we will engage New Brunswickers in a discussion on how to best balance the use of personal health information and safeguarding a person's right to privacy."
Murphy said government plans to introduce legislation that is specific to the use and protection of personal health information as part of the Charter for Change commitment to 'modernize privacy and right to information laws in New Brunswick and further protect an individual's personal information from misuse…'
Currently, access and privacy issues related to personal health information are addressed in a number of provincial and federal statutes that cover information in general.
"We believe that an individual's health information warrants stand-alone legislation, and we plan to move in this direction after we receive the input of New Brunswickers through the Personal Health Information Task Force," he said.
Co-chaired by Kevin Malone, a former clerk of the Executive Council, and Jean-Guy Finn, who served as deputy minister of Health before his retirement, the task force is mandated to consult with New Brunswickers and provide recommendations on new legislation to govern personal health information.
The consultation process will include public meetings in seven centres as well as a review of written submissions.
Murphy said the task force's final report and recommendations are due by September 2007.
The minister said a consultation guide and other information is available on the Personal Health Information Task Force web page.
"I urge all New Brunswickers to visit the Department of Health's website to learn more about this process, and I hope they will take the opportunity to share with us their views on this important subject," Murphy said.
Public hearings will be held June 6 at the Coastal Inn Fort Howe, 10 Portland Street, Saint John; June 7, Wedgewood Hall, 1201 Mountain Road, Moncton; June 8, Wu Conference Centre, UNB campus, Fredericton; June 18, Chateau Edmundston, 100 Rice Street, Edmundston; June 19, Howard Johnson, City Centre, Campbellton; June 20, Atlantic Host, 1450 Vanier Boulevard, Bathurst; and June 22, Wharf Inn, 1 Jane Street, Miramichi. All public hearings will be held from noon to 5 p.m.
Anyone who wishes to make a public presentation is asked to call toll-free 1-877-311-8411 or e-mail phitf@gnb.ca at least two days before the meeting in order to accommodate scheduling.
Written submissions may be sent to the task force either by e-mail at phitf@gnb.ca or by mail to: Personal Health Task Force, Health Planning, Policy and Legislation, Department of Health, P.O. Box 5100, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5G8. The deadline for submissions is June 22, 2007.
07/05/23
MEDIA CONTACT: Johanne Le Blanc, communications, Health, 506-457-3513.
07/05/23