Canada: Understand privacy and access to information laws impacting your psychology practice. Important courses for mental health professionals.
This talk offers a practical and legally grounded exploration of how the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) intersect — particularly within the healthcare sector. It clarifies the responsibilities of private healthcare practices regarding the lawful processing, safeguarding, and sharing of personal information, including patient data. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the mandatory compliance documents required (e.g., PAIA Manual, POPI Policies, Disclosure Logs), as well as how to process access requests using the correct forms and procedures in line with the Information Regulator’s latest requirements.
The talk goes further to explain real-world risks and regulatory actions, offering guidance on how to manage patient information securely, deal with data breaches, and integrate HPCSA ethics, the National Health Act, and Medical Schemes legislation with POPIA/PAIA compliance. Special emphasis is placed on the annual PAIA Report deadline (30 June) and how to navigate the practicalities surrounding that.
The talk is an essential guide for healthcare practitioners, administrators, and compliance officers aiming to avoid liability and stay current with rapidly evolving regulatory demands in South Africa
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand how POPIA and PAIA apply to private healthcare practices, particularly in the context of patient data
Identify and implement the required compliance documentation and procedures, including PAIA manuals, POPI policies, and access request forms
Navigate consent, confidentiality, and disclosure obligations under South African health law and ethics codes
Respond appropriately to data breach scenarios and understand the role of the Information Regulator
Meet annual reporting obligations under PAIA and integrate compliance into routine administrative processes