Protection of Personal Information

The Act respecting health and social services information requires that users be informed of how their personal data is used and protected. This data is also called your health and social services information.

To make this text easier to read, “you” refers both to the person concerned by the information and to their representative (parent, tutor, etc.).

Why do we need your information?

Your information helps us provide you with quality services. It also helps us:

To confirm your identity and communicate with you easily for your follow-up.

We may ask for your name, date of birth, address, email address, telephone number, health insurance number, or other information.

To provide you with care and services that meet your needs.

This helps us better understand your current health, any signs of illness, and your personal and family health history.

To improve our services, measure our effectiveness and expand our knowledge through surveys on the services provided, new programs, employee training, performance assessment programs and research projects.

The information you give us can be used for these purposes.

How is your information collected?

We collect your information in different ways. For example:

01
Directly from you, during conversations with a staff member, when completing a form or when communicating with us.
02
During examinations, such as a blood test, an X-ray or another test.
03
Through medical devices, such as a thermometer, a blood pressure monitor or other equipment.
04
At other places where you have received care, such as a hospital, a CLSC, a medical clinic, a specialized clinic, a family physician or another care provider. These places or individuals may provide us with information when necessary.
Some professionals may use tools that collect personal information, such as artificial intelligence, to reduce the time spent on administrative work and allow more time for patient care. For example, an appointment may be recorded to prepare a medical note. The recording is deleted once the note has been completed. Professionals are required to use secure tools approved by Santé Québec.

How long is your information kept?

We keep your information in accordance with the laws in force. In general, the information in your record is kept for at least five years, while some information must be kept longer.

For more information, you may contact the Santé Québec facility where you receive services using the list below.

What rights do you have regarding your information?

Protecting your information matters to us.
We are here to ensure that your rights are respected.

Right of access

You have the right to request access to your information, as provided by law.

Right to rectification

A request may be made to correct information that is unclear, inaccurate, incomplete or should not have been kept.

Restriction of access (limited access)

Under certain conditions, you may request that access to some of your information be restricted.

Refusal of access after your death

You have the right to limit your family members’ access to your information after your death.

Refusal of access for research purposes

You may refuse to be asked to participate in a research project within the health and social services network. You may also refuse to have your information used for a research project outside the public health and social services system.

Refusal of access for donation solicitation purposes

You may refuse to have your information used to solicit a donation for the benefit of a Santé Québec facility or a foundation related to it.

For more information

To find out how to exercise a right or for any other questions, please contact the Santé Québec facility where you receive services. Contact information is available on the website of each facility: