Effective Date: Sept. 2, 2025
Last Updated: Sept. 2, 2025

​

Flourish Healthcare (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal health information (PHI). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information in compliance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA).

​

1. Collection of Personal Health Information

We collect only the information needed to provide you with safe and effective healthcare. This
may include:

• Your name, date of birth, contact details, and emergency contact information.

• Health history, records of visits, test results, and treatment plans.

• Billing and insurance information (if applicable).

• Information you provide through forms, secure portals, or direct communications with our healthcare team.

We collect PHI directly from you whenever possible. Sometimes, with your consent or as
permitted by law, we may collect information from other healthcare providers or third parties
(e.g., labs, pharmacists).

​

2. Use of Personal Health Information

Your information will only be used for purposes permitted under PHIPA, including:

• Providing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

• Communicating with you about your health and appointments.

• Coordinating with other healthcare providers involved in your care.

• Processing payments, insurance claims, and administrative tasks.

• Quality improvement, training, risk management, and compliance with professional standards.

• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements.

We do not use your information for marketing without your express consent.

​

3. Disclosure of Personal Health Information

We may disclose your PHI only as permitted or required by PHIPA:

• With your consent: To family members, caregivers, or other regulated health care professionals involved in your care.

• Without consent when permitted by law: For example, to reduce a serious risk of harm, comply with a court order, or meet mandatory public health reporting obligations.

• To service providers: We may share information with trusted vendors who provide secure electronic medical record (EMR) systems, billing, or IT support. These providers are contractually required to protect your PHI.

​

4. Safeguards and Data Security

We use physical, administrative, and technological safeguards to protect your PHI, including:

• Secure electronic medical record systems compliant with PHIPA standards.

• Encryption and access controls.

• Confidentiality agreements for staff and service providers.

• Regular training on privacy and data protection.

Despite safeguards, no system is entirely risk-free. We will notify you and the Information and
Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) in the event of a privacy breach as required by PHIPA.

​

5. Your Rights Under PHIPA

You have the right to:

• Access your records: Request to view or obtain a copy of your PHI (a reasonable fee may apply).

• Request corrections: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.

• Withdraw consent: Place conditions on, or withdraw consent for, certain uses or disclosures of your PHI (unless required by law).

• Inquire or complain: Raise concerns about our handling of your PHI with us, and if unresolved, with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

 

To exercise your rights, please contact us at team@flourishhealthcare.ca

​

6. Cookies and Website Data

Our website may collect limited technical data (e.g., cookies, IP addresses) for security and analytics purposes. This data is separate from your PHI and does not identify you as a patient. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

​

7. Retention and Disposal

We retain your health records as required by law (generally at least 10 years from the last visit, or longer if required). When no longer needed, records are securely destroyed or de-identified.

​

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect legal or practice changes. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

​

9. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy or this policy, please contact:

Flourish Healthcare
101-4 Cataraqui Street Kingston ON K7K 1Z7
613-539-4576
team@flourishhealthcare.ca

If your concerns are not resolved, you may contact the:
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
Phone: 416-326-3333 | Toll-free: 1-800-387-0073
Website: www.ipc.on.ca