1. Alberta's Legislative Framework: HIA vs. PIPA

We operate under two distinct provincial privacy laws to guarantee the highest level of information security:

• Health Information Act (HIA): Governs "individually identifying health information" (medical history, diagnoses, treatment summaries, and AHCIP numbers) collected in our clinical capacity as a custodian of health services.
• Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA): Governs general "personal information" (such as visitor names, personal emails, phone numbers, browser cookies, and employment applications) collected through our website forms and commercial operations.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect information to provide specialized eye care services and handle online inquiries. This includes:

A. Patient Health Information (Under HIA)

• Provincial Health Numbers: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) details for scheduling and medical billing.
• Clinical Records: Diagnostic results (OCT scans, visual field tests), treatment histories, and referral documentation.

B. General Personal Information (Under PIPA)

• Contact Details: Full name, phone number, and email address submitted via appointment request forms or contact inquiries.
• Career Applications: Preferred job roles, work authorization status, timing preferences, and any files or details shared during the application process.
• Website Usage: Technical data including IP addresses, cookies, browser types, and pages visited to help optimize site performance.

3. Consent and Inquiries

By inputting and submitting details into our contact, appointment request, or career forms, you provide implied consent for Calgary Eye Specialist to collect and use that personal information to address your request.

Please Note: Submitting an online appointment booking or inquiry form does not constitute a guaranteed clinical booking, nor does it establish an active custodian-patient relationship under HIA. A representative from our clinic will contact you directly to confirm slots and clinical intake guidelines.

4. How We Use Your Information

We limit our use of collected information to authorized administrative and clinical purposes:

• To respond to patient queries, schedule evaluations, and send text/email booking notifications.
• To provide diagnostic care, minor surgeries, and appropriate follow-up management.
• To coordinate billing with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and relevant insurance plans.
• To evaluate candidates applying for open clinical and administrative positions.
• To fulfill professional standards and regulatory requirements mandated by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

5. Disclosure and Sharing of Information

We do not sell, lease, or rent your personal or health information to third-party advertisers. Disclosures occur only in accordance with HIA and PIPA regulations:

• Circle of Care: Sharing clinical details with your primary physician, optometrist, or referring specialist.
• Billing Authorities: Submitting claims to AHS and private insurance plans for coverage processing.
• Legal Compliance: When required by court order, legislation, or public safety mandates.

6. Safeguards and Web Security

We employ strict administrative, technical, and physical measures to ensure your information is secure:

• SSL/TLS Encryption: All information transmitted through our website forms is secured using HTTPS encryption to prevent interception.
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Diagnostic and clinical data is stored in certified, password-protected EMR systems with role-based access logs.
• Staff Training: Every team member at Calgary Eye Specialist signs confidentiality agreements and is trained on patient privacy policies.

7. Retention and Destruction

We hold data only as long as legally mandated or necessary to fulfill its original purpose:

• Clinical Records (HIA): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the date of last entry, or 10 years past the age of majority for minors, as mandated by CPSA guidelines.
• Administrative Requests (PIPA): Contact form details and job applications are securely destroyed or permanently anonymized once the inquiry or hiring process is completed and they are no longer required for administrative purposes.

8. Access, Correction, and Rights

Under both PIPA and HIA, you have the right to request access to the personal and health information we hold about you. You can request corrections to any inaccurate or outdated information.

To request a copy of your records or submit a correction, please contact our Privacy Officer in writing using the contact details below. Please note that access requests may require identity verification.

9. Contact Our Privacy Officer

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how your personal and health information is handled, please reach out to our office: