A version of this article was first published by BayToday, a Village Media publication.
After a year-long investigation, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch - Health Fraud Investigation Unit (HFIU) charged three former employees of Ontario hospitals following investigations into allegations of inappropriate access to electronic medical records related to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
The patients involved were either not part of the employee's circle of care, the employees accessed more than was reasonably required to complete their duties; and/or accessed information after their role in the patient's care was complete.
Following the investigations, the OPP laid charges under the PHIPA.
An OPP release says the incidents took place in hospitals located in western, eastern and northern Ontario, but did not reveal the employees charged or the hospitals involved.
"Unfortunately I’m not able to release the names of the hospitals or the cities they are located in," Detective Sergeant Rob Brigden told BayToday.
Hannah Jensen, a spokesperson for Health Minister Sylvia Jones, also said she couldn't disclose details and added that the government is working to protect people's personal information.
"We cannot provide details on OPP investigations," Jensen said in a statement to The Trillium.
"Our government is taking action to better protect the data security of everyone," she said. "This includes introducing and passing Bill 194 to further our government’s work to protect personal health information across hospitals, schools, and other public institutions."
Offences under PHIPA can carry a maximum penalty of $200,000 and up to one year in prison.
The OPP-HFIU investigates criminal and provincial offences involving the payment and delivery of health-care services and products.
-With files from Sneh Duggal
