The Journey to Create Document Standards and Guidelines for Occupational Therapists. Christine Fleming Legislation and Bylaws Committee

Transcription

1 The Journey to Create Document Standards and Guidelines for Occupational Therapists Christine Fleming Legislation and Bylaws Committee

2 Objectives To describe the process and tools used to create the document Explore the current issues with the document for occupational therapists working in the education system

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4 Background & Process for Documentation Guidelines Started development in March 2011 Environmental scan across Canada Reviewed and modified Guidelines from the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba Stakeholder meetings with OTs in December 2011

5 Process Summer 2012: Meeting with a Ministry of Health representative, Health Information Policy division Fall 2012: Pro-bono law students from the University of Saskatchewan took on the project Researching 3 separate areas: Records Management Law, Cessation of Practice, and Electronic Documentation and Non-Health Organizations.

6 Process Student work finished in April 2013 SSOT Legislation and Bylaws committee completed final edits to the paper based on student recommendations Document was presented to SSOT membership December 2013 and revised May 2014 (typos!)

7 Introduction to the Document Client records serve a variety of purposes Contributing to continuity and adequacy of care. Facilitating communication between others. Creating an historical document for the client and the professional. Providing a means of quality review. Value of a record depends upon it being meaningful, accurate, timely and clear.

8 Introduction to the Document Contemplation of certain privacy laws Legislation current to March 2013 The Health Information Protection Act (HIPA) The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

9 Acknowledgements Based upon a model used by the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba. Prepared with the assistance from students from the University of Saskatchewan College of Law Does not constitute legal advice

10 Key Definitions Record: a record means information generated by the OT, pertaining to services provided by the OT Includes: assessments and evaluations, therapy goals, progress towards goals, attendance and remuneration records May also include items not generated by the OT: a referral, correspondence, and reports prepared by others

11 Definitions Continued Personal health information (PHI): means information with respect to the physical or mental health of an individual, or pertaining to services provided, or any information that is collected in the course of providing health services to an individual.

12 Definitions Continued Trustee: An individual or an organization that has custody or control of personal health information Designated trustee: an eligible trustee who is willing to take on the responsibility for care and security of the personal health information of another trustee, in case of cessation of practice.

13 Definitions Continued Health Information Protection Act (HIPA): Saskatchewan legislation which deals with the privacy of individuals and the duty of trustees in the collection, use, disclosure, security, retention and destruction of health information. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): Canadian legislation which governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal information with a specific focus on electronic communications.

14 Reflects Essential Competencies required by OTs Unit 5. Communications & Collaborates Effectively 5.2: Communicates using a timely and effective approach 5.3: Maintains confidentiality and security in the sharing, transmission, storage and management of information

15 5 General Principles 1. Accountability 2. Client care records 3. General security 4. General access 5. Implementation

16 Collection Client consent Record essentials Third party information Approved care protocols Progress notes Required copies Miscellaneous items

17 Use General limitation of use Identification Record entry requirements Signature requirements Revisions to record entry Drafts and raw data

18 Disclosure General limitations of disclosure Sharing of client care records Vendors / funding organizations Other health care practitioners Reasonable steps taken Disclosing client care records May disclose without consent: Legal proceedings SGI

19 Access General client access Request handled in 30 days or less General office access Need to know Access to physical files Locked Need to know Access to computer files password Breach response plan Follow organization policy SSOT and Privacy Commissioner for guidance

20 Retention General accountability Protect from loss, theft, destruction Duration of retention, minimum 3 years from conclusion of client treatment 3 years after client reaches age of majority

21 Electronic Data Storage and Transmission Electronic record keeping Maintain audit trail Electronic transmission of records, personal information Safe guards for electronic retention Firewall Secure wireless network, encrypted transmissions Back up

22 Destruction of Documents General guidelines Hard drives fully destroyed Physical files shredded Third Party destruction Signed agreement outlining standards to comply with HIPA and PIPEDA

23 Cessation of Practice Time period of more than 30 days in which an OT permanently or temporarily stops working SSOT Mandatory Requirement for all private practice OTs to have a designated trustee and cessation plan in place for transfer of records

24 Cessation of Practice Temporary Cessation: more than 30 days with intent to return Holiday, maternity leave, compassionate leave Permanent Cessation: notify client affected by transfer to designated trustee Retirement, moving practice outside Saskatchewan, career change Unforeseen Cessation: temporary or permanent Sudden serious illness, revocation of license, fatal injury

25 Retention of Financial Records General retention of financial records Items / service sold Cost of item /service Date the item sold/ service provided Date monies received Separate from client record Consistent with this guideline Comply with PIPEDA

26 Final Pages Resources: Statutes and links Chart: Core Principles of Privacy Law in Canada Sample Forms: Designated Trustee Agreement Notification of Cessation to Current Client

27 Next Steps Questions raised from OTs working in school systems : second Pro-Bono project with students from U of S College of Law School based OT stakeholder discussions

28 Education System & OT Final project submission April 2015 Summary of project was presented to membership at May 2015 annual conference Information to be incorporated into document by Legislation and Bylaws Committee

29 Project Findings General principles for OT working in Schools: Legislation Employed by health region Employed by school division Disclosure Retention Security

30 Conclusion Document addresses best practices for collection and use of client care information as well as disclosure, access, retention and destruction of records. We know that further changes will be required with the evolving legal and regulatory landscape.

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32 Special Thanks SSOT Legislation and Bylaws Committee for hours already spent and those to come with the updates! SSOT Admin Assistant for all her work in formatting the document

33 Questions?????

34 Contacts: Resources and Links SSOT Position Statements