When you visit a hospital, doctor or other healthcare provider, they will need to collect information about you so that they can provide the best possible care for you.

To protect your privacy, a set of rules called the Health Information Privacy Code has been created to make sure that this information is collected and used properly. The main rules in the Code are:

Rule 1

Health information can only be collected from and about you if it is needed for a lawful purpose.

Rule 2

The information about you should usually be collected only from you.

Rule 3

At the time the information is collected, you will be told the following:

• that the information is being collected
• why it is being collected
• who will be able to see that information
• the details of who is collecting and storing the information
• if you have to give the information or can choose not to
• what might happen if you do not provide the information
• your right to see, and if necessary correct, the information

Rule 4

The information should not be collected in an unlawful or unfair way or in a way that invades your privacy.

Rule 5

The information should be stored safely to protect against loss, unauthorised access etc.

Rule 6

You can see the information that is held about you.

Rule 7

You are able to request that corrections be made to your health information.

Rule 8

The information must be checked before it is used to make sure it is accurate, up-to-date, complete and relevant.

Rule 9

The information should not be kept any longer than is necessary.

Rule 10

The information should only be used for the reason it was collected and not used in other ways.

Rule 11

The information will not be given to anyone else without your agreement, except in certain limited situations.

Rule 12

The use of ‘unique identifiers’ (e.g. patient numbers) on health information is controlled to protect your privacy.

If you feel your privacy has been invaded and wish to make a complaint, you are able to contact the Privacy Commissioner’s Office:

The Privacy Commissioner

PO Box 466

Auckland

Ph: 0800 803 909

Fax: 09 302 2305

Email:

If you want to read more about the Privacy Code, click on the following link: http://www.privacy.org.nz/top.html