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SickKids

Personal Information Banks

SickKids is required by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to produce an index of Personal Information Banks (PIB) – a description of the collections of personal information (recorded information about an identifiable individual) maintained to support the Hospital’s programs and activities, where such collections are organized and retrievable by an individual’s name or another identifier.

The Personal Information Bank includes the following:

  • The title and type of the class of records
  • The statute authorizing the collection of personal information
  • The location of this class of records
  • The format of this class of records
  • A description of the type of information that is maintained in this class of records
  • The uses and users of the personal information maintained in this class of records
  • A description of the types of individuals whose information is maintained in this class of records
  • The retention and disposal (how long the information is kept)

Where the retention and disposal section indicates "TBD", SickKids is in the process of developing retention and disposal policies for the class of records or personal information bank.

The Records Inventory and listing of Personal Information Banks can be helpful for formulating clear and defined requests. It is important to remember that while these tools can be useful in defining the types of records held by SickKids, the records of the Hospital are subject to FIPPA and may be subject to exemptions and/or exclusions that could limit the amount of information disclosed through an Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Academic

Type 

GCR/PIB

Authority 

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Description 

Records relating to staff learning opportunities including iLearn and external
education events.  

Location

Learning Institute and Clinical areas

Format 

Electronic and Paper

Information Maintained 

Name, learning items history and status, education history, funding amounts,
attendance.

Uses 

Track compliance, learning item, application, approval and reimbursement status

Users 

Staff, Managers, Educators, iLearn Administrators, Learning Institute SCPDF team

Individuals in Bank 

Staff, Physicians/Dentists, Residents, Fellows, Students and Volunteers

Retention and Disposal 

TBD

Administration

Type

 PIB

Authority 

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Description 

Records related to the photography or videotaping of staff, patients, visitors or members of the public.

Location

Common

Information Maintained 

Name, contact information, medical history

Uses 

Creation of educational resources, media stories

Users 

Communications and Public Affairs, Learning Institute

Individuals in Bank 

Individuals who agree to take part in photography or video recordings by The Hospital for Sick Children

Retention and Disposal 

2 years past the date of creation

Type

GCR-PIB

Authority 

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Description 

Records relating to administration of requests for access under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Location 

Freedom of Information Office 

Format 

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained 

Name and contact information of requesters, third parties, complainants

Uses 

Respond to requests for access, correction, complaints

Users 

Freedom of Information  Office staff; Information & Privacy Commissioner

Individuals in Bank

Individuals who make access requests, requests for correction or complaints

Retention and Disposal 

TBD

Type

 GCR

Description 

Records relating to the destruction of official records of The Hospital for Sick Children in accordance with the Records Retention and Destruction Policy.

Location 

Freedom of Information Office

Retention and Disposal 

Permanent

Type 

PIB

Authority 

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sched. A

Description 

Records related to requests for access to Personal Health Information.

Location 

Health Records

Format 

Electronic

Information Maintained 

Name, contact info. & medical record number of individual to whom the personal health information (PHI) relates, patient consent to disclose to another person or organization (e.g. insurance co.), may include name & contact info for substitute decision maker (if applicable).

Uses 

To identify, locate and provide requested personal health information to patient/former patient or as directed by patient or substitute decision maker.

Users 

Release of Information Department staff

Individuals in Bank 

Patients

Retention and Disposal 

33 years

Clinical/Health Records

Type

GCB/PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40; Health Protection & Promotion Act; O. Reg. 49/07

Description

Records related to Infection Prevention and Control at The Hospital for Sick Children

Location

Infection Prevention and Control

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Patient name, MRN number, other patient demographic information as required based on outbreak type

Uses

To report and track outbreaks as required by Toronto Public Health

Users

Infection Prevention and Control; Toronto Public Health

Individuals in Bank

Patients diagnosed with a  reportable disease in an outbreak 

Retention and Disposal 

TBD

Type

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Register of all patients receiving care at the Hospital 

Location

Common - Clinical areas

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Patient name, demographic and contact information, medical record number and OHIP number, date of visit and reason for visit, primary care and attending physician, emergency contact information, length of stay

Uses

Used to accurately identify patients and to link patient care information to the correct patient; maintain a complete record of all patient visits

Users

Registration staff, care providers, patient accounts

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

50 years

Type

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Record of the care and treatment provided to patients

Location

Health Records

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Please see Patient Register; medical condition and diagnostic information, test results, medications, records relating to any surgery or medical procedures 

Uses

In the provision of care; to document the history of patient care; in the evaluation of quality of care and service provision; for research approved by Research Ethics Board

Users

Care providers, staff responsible for meeting provincial reporting requirements, researchers approved by Research Ethics Board

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

33 years from the date of last entry or death

Type

PIB

Authority

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Description

Records relating to the care and treatment provided to international patients

Location

International Patient Office

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Please see Patient Register, Patient Chart

Uses

In the provision of care; to document the history of patient care; in the evaluation of quality of care and service provision; for research approved by Research Ethics Board

Users

Care providers, International Patient Office

Individuals in Bank

International Patients

Retention and Disposal 

33 years from the date of last entry or death

Type

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act RS.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Medical images of patients

Format

Electronic

Information Maintained

Please see Patient Register; diagnostic images

Uses

Diagnosis and care and treatment of patient

Users

Care providers

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

Adult: at least 5 years after the day on which the image is created. Children under 18 years: at least 5 years after the patient's 18th birthday

Type

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c.P.40

Description

Records relating to registration and admitting of patients

Location

Health Records

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Patient name, demographic and contact information, medical record number and OHIP number, date of visit and reason for visit, name of primary care and attending physician, emergency contact information, length of stay

Uses

Maintained a record of Patient visits to Hospital

Users

Registration staff, care providers

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

33 years from date of last entry or death

Type

PIB

Authority

Drugs & Pharmacies Regulations Act, R.So. 1990 c. H. 4

Description

Records of inpatient and outpatient drug prescriptions 

Location

Pharmacy

Format

Paper

Information Maintained

Patient name, drug prescribed, date of prescription, name of prescriber 

Uses

Dispensing of prescribed drugs to patient

Users 

Pharmacy staff

Individuals in Bank

Patients who have been prescribed medication

Retention and Disposal

TBD

Type 

PIB

Authority

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sched. A. 

Description

Record of all corrections to patient personal health information

Location

Health Records

Format

Paper

Information Maintained

Patient Name/MRN, date requested correction, original document, corrected document, date of response with letter if applicable

Uses

List and requests of all corrections made by parent/patient 

Users

Health Records

Individuals in Bank

Patients who have requested a correction to their personal health information

Retention and Disposal

33 years from the date of death or last entry

Facilities Management

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Description

Records related to the management of property owned or leased by The Hospital for Sick Children

Location

Business Development Services

Information Maintained

Staff name, vehicle identification information, reference information, personal address

Uses 

Tracking and Quality Assurance

Users

Business Development Services and Property Management staff

Individuals in Bank 

Patients/Staff

Retention and Disposal

2 years

Finance

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Billing and remittance documentation including patient, institutional and other governmental agencies, and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC)

Location

Finance

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Name, address or telephone number, age, sex, marital status or family status, MRN no., educational/financial/criminal/employment status or history, Credit Card No. Health Card No., Individuals substitute decision maker, eligibility or payment for health care donation or transplant of body parts or testing or examination of parts of substances, identification or person providing care. 

Uses

To support hospital revenue transactions and issue billings

Users 

Finance/Patients/MOHLTC/External Institutions/government

Individuals in Bank

Patients & Parents

Retention and Disposal 

7 years

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Health Insurance Act R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 552

Description

Records relating to claims submitted to the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care in respect of treatment and services provided to patients under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan

Location

Finance

Format

Electronic

Information Maintained

Name of patient, OHIP number, whether an ambulance service was used, date of admission and discharge, treatment and services provided including reasons

Uses

Receive payment for insurable treatment and services provided to patients

Users

Care providers, Finance

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

11 years

Type 

GCR/PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description 

Records relating to processing payments mad the the Hospital

Location

Finance

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Supplied name, address, receipts, invoices, expense claim statements, payments certificates, financial transactions, staff ID number, SIN number, name and address

Uses

To support hospital expense transactions

Users

Finance staff

Individuals in Bank

Employees, individuals providing goods and services to the Hospital

Retention and Disposal

10 years

Human Resources

Type

PIB

Authority

Employment Standards Act s. 15(5)

Description

Records relating to the attendance and scheduling

Location

Common

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Leaves of absence, hours of work, overtime, statutory holidays, and sick time taken, vacation days, attendance, shift schedules

Uses

Document attendance, record and manage sick time

Users

Human Resources, Managers

Individuals in Bank

Employees, contract and permanent

Retention and Disposal

3 years

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Records relating to benefit plans offered to eligible staff and retirees that provide full or partial financial coverage to eligible Hospital employees, retirees and/or their families

Location

Human Resources

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Employee ID, name, DOB, sex, marital status, telephone number, beneficiary information

Uses

Enrolment and administration of benefit plans

Users

Human Resources staff

Individuals in Bank

Employees

Retention and Disposal

TBD

Type

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Records relating to the recruitment of staff for permanent, part-time, and contract job postings

Location

Human Resources

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Submitted resumes and/or job applications, containing information on employment history, education, and contact information

Uses

Document competition and hiring processes

Users

Human Resources - Talent Management

Individuals in Bank

Hospital employees and members of the public applying for positions at The Hospital for Sick Children

Retention and Disposal

TBD

Type 

PIB

Authority

Employment Standards Act, S.O. 2000, c. 41, s. 15

Description

Records relating to the employment of SickKids staff

Location

Human Resources

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Employee number and name, application form, benefits options, education, work history, attendance and leave records, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, WSIB records

Uses

To document work history

Users

Human Resources, other Managers as appropriate

Individuals in Bank

Staff

Retention and Disposal

3 years after the date to which the record relates

Type

PIB

Authority

Employment Standards Act, S.O. 2000, c. 41, s. 15

Location

Human Resources

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Staff name, start date, address, date of birth

Uses

Document work history

Users 

Human Resources staff

Individuals in Bank

Staff

Retention and Disposal

3 years after departure if the staff member to whom it relates

Type 

GCR/PIB

Authority

Employment Standards Act, 2000, c.41, s.11; Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.1.8, s.300; Canada Pension Plan, R.S. 1985, C. C-8

Description

Records relating to individual employees' pay history profiles

Location

Human Resources

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Employee number, name, address, sex, social insurance number, date of birth, marital status, telephone number, tax exemptions, employee benefit information, bank account number, name of group life and pension beneficiary

Uses

Calculate and administer payroll; administer employee benefits and pensions

Users

Finance and Human Resources staff

Individuals in Bank

Staff

Retention and Disposal

6 years from the end of the fiscal year to which they relate

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Pension Benefit Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.10

Description

Records relating to SickKids pension plans and individual deductions

Location

Human Resources

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Pension contribution deduction amount

Uses

Document staff pension deductions

Users 

Finance

Individuals in Bank

Staff

Retention and Disposal

TBD

Type 

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.O 1990 c. P. 40

Description

Records relating to the appointment of Physicians and Dentists practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children

Location

Medical Affairs

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Name, address, date of birth, photo, academic information, visa information, emergency contact, email address

Uses

Credential physicians and dentists and appoint them to the Medical/Dental staff

Users

Medical Affairs, Quality Risk, Clinical Departments

Individuals in Bank

Staff physician and Dentists: contract and cross appointed

Retention and Disposal

End of the last appointment year plus 15 years

Type

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.O 1990 c. P. 40

Description

Records related to fellowships, observerships and residencies at The Hospital for Sick Children

Location

Medical Affairs

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Name, contact information, evaluations, program information

Uses

Program planning and information related to patient care

Users

Affiliated educational institution, program committees, departments

Individuals in Bank

Fellows, Residents, Observers

Retention and Disposal 

Fellows and Residents: 15 years; Observers: 6 months past the time they leave

Type

PIB

Legal Authority

Public Hospitals Act, R.S.O 1990 c. P.40

Description

Records relating to volunteers at The Hospital for Sick Children

Location

Human Resources

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Name and contact information of volunteers, length of service

Uses

To contact and/or schedule volunteers

Users

Volunteer Services

Individuals in Bank

Volunteers at The Hospital for Sick Children

Retention and Disposal

TBD

Occupational Health and Safety

Type

PIB

Authority

Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, s.26

Description

Records relating to the medical status, condition, and recovery of individual Hospital employees

Location

Occupational Health and Safety

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained

Information about staff member's medical conditions and whether he/she can return to regular work duties

Uses

Assist with employee medical issues as they relate to employment

Users

Occupational Health and Safety staff

Individuals in Bank 

Staff

Retention and Disposal

TBD

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, s9. Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.1, s26. Workplace Safety- Insurance Act, 1997

Description

Records relating to staff immunization

Location

Occupational Health and Safety

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Name, badge number, immunization status

Uses

Track immunization data for staff safety during outbreaks

Users

Occupational Health and Safety staff

Individuals in Bank

Staff, volunteers

Retention and Disposal

TBD

Type 

GCR/PIB

Authority

Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, s9. Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.1, s26. Workplace Safety and - Insurance Act, 1997

Description

Records relating to the storage, use, and disposal of biological agents and records relating to worker exposure to chemical or biological agents

Location

Occupational Health and Safety

Format

Electronic, Paper

Information Maintained 

Employee names, test results, concerns about health, safety, accommodation needs

Uses

To respond to health and safety concerns and issues

Users

Occupational Health and Safety staff

Individuals in Bank

Staff who have been involved in an incident 

Retention and Disposal

40 years

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, s9. Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.1, s26. Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

Description

Notice of accidents and records relating workplace incidents/accidents

Location

Occupational Health and Safety

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Names, details related to incidents, medical information

Uses

Respond to health and safety concerns and issues

Users

Occupational Health and Safety staff and Joint Health & Safety Committee, Human Resources 

Individuals in Bank

Staff who have been involved in an incident or accident

Retention and Disposal 

40 years

Type 

GCR/PIB

Authority

Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, s9

Description

Records relating to radiation exposure and Radionuclides 

Location

Research Institute, Diagnostic Imaging

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Name, information related to exposures, work history

Uses

Record radiation exposure and Radionuclides in staff

Users

Research Institute, Diagnostic Imaging

Individuals in Bank

Staff/Researchers exposed to radiation and/or radionuclides

Retention and Disposal

Permanent

Office of Patient and Family Experience

Type

PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act. R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Records relating to patient complaints and patient feedback

Location

Office of Patient and Family Experience

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Name and contact information of individual complimenting or complaining about some aspect of their Hospital experience; information relating to the nature of the complaint or compliment 

Uses

Respond to concern or complaint; evaluate and improve program and service delivery

Users

Office of Patient and Family Experience

Individual in Bank

Individuals making a complaint/concern or providing feedback related to care at SickKids

Retention and Disposal

2 years from the date of file closure

Quality and Risk Management

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Quality of Care Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sched. B; Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Records relating to the assessment and evaluation of the quality of health care provided and related to programs and services

Location

Quality and Risk Management, Clinical areas

Format

Electronic

Information Maintained

Patient name and contact information, patient health information, care and treatment provided and adverse events

Uses

To evaluate care and service delivery and care and improve the quality of care and services provided to patients

Users

Quality and Risk Management staff, Clinical areas

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

Until opportunity for appeal or legal action has passed

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Reports relating to incidents occurring in the Hospital or on Hospital property where an individual has been or may have been injured

Location

Quality and Risk Management

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Name and contact information of involved individuals, detail of injury or possible injury including related circumstances

Uses

To improve safety, to inform affected parties and to respond to any issues related to the matter

Users

Quality and Risk Management

Individuals in Bank

Patients or visitors who have or may have been injured

Retention and Disposal

Until opportunity for appeal or legal action has passed

Authority

ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines; Personal Health Information

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sched. A. 

Description

Reports related to quality and risk audits

Location

Quality and Risk Management

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Patient names, MRN, unit, responsible physician

Uses

Indicator reports for scorecard, accreditation indicator

Users

The Hospital for Sick Children staff

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

Medication Reconciliation Audit: 1-2 months; All others: TBD

Type

PIB

Authority

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3 Sched. A; Quality of Care Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sched B

Description

Records relating to critical incident reviews conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children

Location

Quality and Risk Management

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Clinical information related to care

Uses

Review of critical incidents

Users

Review Team, Executive Sponsors, Risk and Associate Risk Manager

Individuals in Bank

Patients

Retention and Disposal

10 years after final disposition of complaint

Research

Type

GCR/PIB

Description

Records related to research

Location

Principal Investigator

Formation

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Curriculum vitaes of REB Members, REB Training Records, Personal Health Information of Research Subjects

Uses

Clinical Research

Users

Principal Investigator, REB

Individuals in Bank

REB members, Research participants

Retention and Disposal

Clinical regulated trials (i.e. registered with Health Canada): 25 years from creation of document; Non-clinical trials and Animal use protocols: 7 years

Security

Type

GCR/PIB

Authority

Public Hospitals Act R.S.0 1990, c. P.40

Description

Records relating to providing security for patients, visitors, staff, physicians and volunteers at The Hospital for Sick Children

Location

Protection Services

Format

Paper, Electronic

Information Maintained

Names of staff, physicians and volunteers, identification number and photograph; images of persons at Hospital entrances and main hallways captured by video surveillance

Users

To identify staff, physicians and volunteers and document access; videotaping and monitoring is used to identify and respond to potential security risks

Users

Protection Services

Individuals in Bank

Hospital staff, patients, visitors, families, volunteers, members of the public

Retention and Disposal

Video Surveillance: 30 days; Security Reports: 2 years

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