Manitoba

Province investigating former employee accused of snooping into health records

A former employee of Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors inappropriately accessed personal health information for at least 13 people, according to the province.

The province is implementing new policies and procedures to increase accountability, compliance with PHIA

A former employee of Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors inappropriately accessed health information, according to the province. (Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press)

The provincial Ombudsman is investigating after a former employee inappropriately accessed personal health information of 13 people, according to the province.

The former employee worked at Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors.

The Ombudsman is directly contacting the 13 people whose information was accessed.

Following that access of information, the province is reviewing and updating their policies and procedures related to the Personal Health Information Act, the document that governs who can access what health information.

Under the Personal Health Information Act and the department's current policies and procedures, employees are only authorized to access information if it is necessary to carry out the responsibilities outlined in their work requirements, the province said.

The province says new policies and procedures will further enhance accountability and provide additional ways to monitor whether employees are complying with the act.