BC and personal privacy
I was shocked today when I found out that my SIN # is my personal identifier for dental and extended health insurance coverage at work through Pacific Blue Cross. There have been other shockers in this realm too: that we must obtain client’s PHN (personal health numbers) or OHIP numbers in Ontario in order for client’s to access addictions treatment. The PHN database through BC’s MSP (medical service plan?) is managed by IBM. When I worked in the addictions field in Ontario, we did not ask for client’s OHIP numbers as this was viewed as an invasion of personal privacy in recognition that society stigmatizes those with addictions (as well as mental health problems). I was told today that if a client refuses to give their PHN then they are not supposed to receive our addictions services. Perhaps, I am too paranoid but I have visions of Corporate Big Brother collecting all this information about an individual’s health care utilization. I would have to do some research but intuitively I think the use of one’s SIN for extended insurance coverage (that one pays mucho bucks for each month) contravenes federal privacy legislation. Comments?
