Download
our Printable Privacy Statement
Mainstream Association for Proactive Community Living (“Mainstream”)
is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information
of the individuals we support and other stakeholders, such as families
and
advocates. We value the trust of those we serve and those with whom
we deal. We recognize that maintaining this trust requires that we
be transparent
and accountable in how we treat the information you share with us.
As part of our ongoing commitment, we want to clarify why we ask for
your personal information, how we use it and to provide you with choices
related to its use. This brochure contains a short summary of the privacy
protection policy and procedures governing Mainstream.
"Personal information” means information
about an identifiable individual. Exceptions include business contact
information and certain
publicly
available information.
We collect and use personal information only for purposes that a
reasonable person would consider appropriate in light of the circumstances,
for
example:
• to determine the suitability of our services for individuals requiring
support
• to understand the needs and objectives of supported individuals
• to plan and/or deliver community living services to supported individuals
• to fulfill our obligation to provide the service deliverables outlined
in our contracts with funding bodies
• to maintain emergency contact information for identified family members
of individuals served by Mainstream
• to keep supported individuals and other stakeholders informed of the
activities of Mainstream through periodic communication, such
as monthly newsletters
We may collect information from the following sources:
• from supported individuals and their families, through correspondence
or interviews, or on forms such as client intakes or profiles
• from the Province of British Columbia and other government authorities,
pertaining to supported individuals
• from doctors or other professionals who may have assessed or counseled
individuals supported by Mainstream or individuals who have
been referred to us for service
We accept any of the following as consent for
Mainstream’s existing
use and future collection and use of personal information:
• express consent, obtained verbally or in writing (usually written consents
are required)
• implied consent, as demonstrated when you voluntarily provide personal
information or participate in services provided by Mainstream
You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal
restrictions.
In some circumstances withdrawal of consent may affect our
ability to serve supported individuals. For example, if Mainstream
is
contracted to assist someone to address health care needs and
the individual
withdraws
their consent to disclose their Care Card number to the physician,
we are unable to fulfill our obligations to either the supported
individual
or our funder.
Supported persons can view their onsite records (those located
at a program where they receive services) by making a request
to their
key worker
or the relevant program supervisor. Whenever possible, requests
from supported individuals to access their onsite records
will be met
within five business days.
Requests from supported individuals to view records located
in central files or archived records may be made to Mainstream’s
Privacy Officer, Wendy Moore. Requests to view central
files or archived records
will
be addressed within 10 business days of receiving them.
While a supported person has the right to view the contents
of their records, statutory exceptions may apply. Examples
of circumstances
where supported individuals may be denied access to part
or all of
their records
include:
• if providing access may reveal personal information about another individual
• if Mainstream can reasonably expect that the health or safety of an individual
may be threatened
• if access to the information is prohibited by law or legislation
When Mainstream is obligated to restrict access to information, we will
make a reasonable effort to sever the record so that the
supported individual can view as much of the requested record as possible.
If access cannot be provided, Mainstream will notify the individual making
the request in writing, advising the reasons for refusal. In such circumstances, Mainstream will offer assistance to make a Freedom of Information request, if applicable.
Personal information collected by Mainstream is
kept in confidence. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure
that personal information is not disclosed or shared more widely than
is necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was gathered. Physical
and electronic safeguards ensure the integrity of this information
is maintained and prevent it from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
In certain limited circumstances, Mainstream may lawfully collect,
use or disclose personal information of individuals we support without
consent, such as when disclosure is necessary for medical treatment
of the person and they are unable to consent or in response to an emergency.
We do not make written disclosure of personal information about supported
individuals to third parties without the individual’s prior written
consent, unless required by law or legislation. In instances where
a supported individual has identified an alternate decision maker or
representative, or where a supported person has a legal guardian, Mainstream
is required to obtain that person’s written consent to disclose
personal information in written form. Where a supported individual
cannot provide fully informed consent, and where no legal representative
exists, Mainstream will seek direction from relevant stakeholders to
address consent issues. Such measures may include the use of non-legal
designates.
To comply with requirements of the Province of British Columbia, in
2002 Mainstream Association was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). To ensure we meet CARF’s
business standards, surveyors do random audits of administrative files,
including client files. They check for the existence of certain required
documentation; documents are not reviewed for content. Mainstream staff
are present when such audits take place.
Personal information of individuals we support is stored inside Canada
and is not accessed from outside Canada. Any requests for disclosure
of personal information that come from outside Canada are promptly
reported to government.
Personal information is retained only as long as is necessary for the
fulfillment of the purposes for which it was collected or as required
by law or contractual obligation.
If you have concerns or questions, or if you wish to withdraw
your consent or request access to your personal information,
please
contact our Privacy
Officer:
Mainstream Association for Proactive Community
Living
Attention: Privacy Officer
240, 4664 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC V5C 5T5
Phone: 604 299-4001
Fax: 604 299-0329
email: privacyofficer@mapcl.org
Further information on privacy and your rights in regard to your personal
information can be obtained from the following sources:
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
4th Flr, 1675 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
250 387-5629
www.oipcbc.org/citizens/info_privacy_guide.php
Province of British Columbia, Management Services
Contact Enquiry BC at 604 660-2421
www.mser.gov.bc.ca/FOI_POP/
Further information on Adult Guardianship,
Representation Agreements and Health Care Consent can be obtained
from:
The Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
700, 808 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3L3
604 660-4444
www.trustee.bc.ca/adultgua.htm
