Restrict access to your personal health information
Contact Privacy and Access
Phone
1-855-347-5456 (Toll-free Canada and U.S.)
privacyandaccess@ehealthsask.ca
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
Forms
Request to mask or full block
Request to remove a mask or full block
You may limit who can see your personal health information in Saskatchewan. There are two ways to do this: masking or a full block. Each option affects how your information can be viewed in certain electronic health systems.
Masking
Masking allows you to hide your personal information so it cannot be seen in:
- Pharmaceutical Information Program (PIP)
- electronic Health Record Viewer (eHR Viewer).
When your information is masked, health care providers who log into these systems will not be able to view your clinical information unless specific conditions exist or your consent is provided.
When masked information may still be viewed
In some situations, masked information can still be accessed:
With your consent
You can give a health care provider permission to view your masked information.
- In PIP, consent can be time limited or ongoing.
- In the eHR Viewer, consent can be given for one day, one week, one month, or one year.
In an emergency
If you are unable to provide consent (for example, if you are unconscious), your information may be accessed if it is needed to provide safe, urgent care.
If dangerous prescription drug use is suspected
Health care providers may need to view information when prescribing or dispensing certain medications.
To correct or complete health records
Information may be accessed to verify, correct, or complete records related to previous care.
When required by law
This includes situations such as a subpoena or requirements under The Public Health Act, 1994.
Things to consider before choosing masking
Masking is managed by eHealth Privacy Service and applies only to PIP and the eHR Viewer. It does not apply to other health care systems. For example, pharmacies or physician offices may use their own systems, and masking does not apply to these systems.
Masking can affect the care you receive. Health care providers rely on complete information to make safe decisions, such as checking for drug interactions or avoiding duplicate tests. If providers believe they don’t have enough information, they may delay or refuse treatment. You are encouraged to carefully consider these risks before requesting masking.
Full block
A full block completely prevents your personal health information from being viewed in the eHR Viewer.
When a full block is in place:
- Health care providers cannot view any of your information in the eHR Viewer.
- The block applies to all information in the eHR Viewer.
- Information stored outside the eHR Viewer is not affected.
All privacy rights and legislation continue to apply, even when a full block is in place.
Things to consider before choosing a full block
A full block may affect your care. Health care providers will not be able to access information in the eHR Viewer, which may lead to delays or incomplete care. This could impact your ability to receive timely or appropriate health services.