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Nurses have an ethical responsibility to safeguard information obtained in the context of the nurse-client relationship. When clients entrust their health care and health information to a nurse, they expect and rely on it being kept confidential.

Clients also depend on nurses to maintain their privacy. Both federal and provincial legislation exist to protect a client’s personal and health information.

Practice Standard

Case studies​

Yes. Under BC law, the information in a client's record belongs to them and they have a right to see this information; however, the medical record legally belongs to the health care provider, hospital or care facility that made it. Follow your organization's policy when a client asks to see their health record.

The BCCNM Privacy and Confidentiality practice standard requires that nurses respect clients' rights to access their health records and assist them to obtain access to these records. BCCNM Standards reflect the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act whereby clients can make written requests to see their records.​​

​​​FAQs​

​If law enforcement asks, should I share information about a client?

As a healthcare professional, you safeguard personal and health information obtained in the context of the nurse-client relationship and only disclo​​se this information outside of the health care team with client consent or when there is an ethical or legal obligation to do so. When disclosing, provide only the information necessary to fulfill your obligation. 

Some examples of situations where you would be ​​obligated to disclose client information:

  • Under a court order or warrant
  • When legislation requires e.g., reporting a child in need of protection (under the​ Child, Family and Community Service Act)
  • When you ha​​ve determined there is a substantial risk of significant harm to the health or safety of the client or others​

Check your workplace policy to see when and what information you may share with law enforcement. If there is no policy or you have questions, speak with your manager or privacy officer or contact a regulatory practice consultant. In some circumstances, your manager or workplace privacy officer can determine whether you may disclose personal client information​.​

I work in a clinic where staff from other agencies provide services to our clients. How do my colleagues and I decide what client information to share? Do we need to ask the client for consent?

It is important to tell your client how their personal information will be collected, used, and shared with other members of their health care team. Make sure the client knows the purpose, what information will be shared, and who is on the care team. Only share information with people currently involved in providing or planning care. Limit information you share to what each team member needs to know to provide appropriate care. Consider getting specific consent for sharing sensitive information such as test results.

My colleague shares information about clients on Facebook. Although the clients’ names aren’t posted, I don't think it's OK. What should I do?

It’s not OK. Even without using a name, other identifiers (client’s room number, initials, health conditions) may make clients identifia​ble. It's important for you to share your concerns with your colleague and/or manager to resolve this privacy breach. The resource Taking Action on Concerns About Practice may help you.

You’ll find more inf​​ormation and guidance on social media use on our social media page.

My client wants to see her health record. Does she have a right to see it?

Yes. Under B.C. law, the information in a client's record belongs to them and they​ have a right to see this information. However, the hardcopy/digital medical record legally belongs to the healthcare provider, hospital, or care facility that made it. Follow your workplace’s policy when a client asks to see their health record.

The BCCNM Privacy and Confidentiality practice standard requires that nurses respect​​ clients' rights to access their health records and assist them to obtain access to these records. BCCNM Standards reflect the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act whereby clients can make written requests to see their records.​