Privacy Policy & Legal Disclaimers
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Table of Contents
1. Privacy Policy
Your Privacy is Protected
Addiction Rehab Toronto is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information in accordance with Canadian federal and provincial privacy laws, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPHA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
This Privacy Policy explains how Addiction Rehab Toronto ("ART," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users ("User," "you," or "your") of our website, treatment services, and related healthcare activities.
Our Commitment to Privacy
We understand that seeking addiction treatment requires trust. Your decision to share personal information with us is not taken lightly. We are committed to:
- Protecting your personal health information according to the highest legal and ethical standards
- Using your information only for purposes related to your treatment and care
- Implementing appropriate safeguards to protect your information
- Being transparent about our privacy practices
- Respecting your rights regarding your personal information
2. Information Collection and Use
Types of Information We Collect
Personal Health Information (PHI)
When you receive treatment services from ART, we collect personal health information necessary for your care, including:
- Contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
- Health insurance information
- Medical history and current health status
- Substance use history and patterns
- Mental health information
- Treatment plans and progress notes
- Medication information
- Emergency contact information
- Payment and billing information
Website Information
When you visit our website, we may collect:
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- IP address (anonymized)
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring website
- General geographic location (city/province level)
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal health information for the following purposes:
Treatment and Care
- Providing addiction treatment services
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers (with your consent)
- Medical monitoring and emergency response
- Continuing care and aftercare services
Administrative Operations
- Billing and insurance processing
- Appointment scheduling
- Quality improvement activities
- Staff training and education
- Regulatory compliance and reporting
Communication
- Responding to inquiries and providing information
- Appointment reminders and follow-up
- Treatment updates to authorized family members
- Emergency notifications
3. PHIPHA Compliance
PHIPHA Certification
ART is fully compliant with Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPHA) and maintains certification demonstrating our commitment to protecting your health information.
PHIPHA Requirements We Follow
- Consent: We obtain appropriate consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal health information
- Collection Limitation: We only collect information that is necessary for your treatment and care
- Use Limitation: We use your information only for the purposes for which it was collected
- Disclosure Limitation: We do not disclose your information without your consent except as permitted by law
- Retention: We retain your information only as long as necessary for treatment and legal requirements
- Safeguards: We implement appropriate technical and administrative safeguards
- Access: We provide you with access to your personal health information upon request
- Correction: We allow you to request corrections to your information
Special Protections for Mental Health and Addiction Information
Mental health and addiction treatment information receives enhanced protection under PHIPHA. We implement additional safeguards including:
- Restricted access on a need-to-know basis
- Enhanced consent procedures
- Additional security measures
- Specialized staff training
- Audit logging and monitoring
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
When We May Share Your Information
With Your Consent
We will share your personal health information with third parties only with your written consent, including:
- Family members or designated contacts
- Your primary care physician or other healthcare providers
- Continuing care providers
- Insurance providers for coverage verification
Without Your Consent (As Permitted by Law)
In limited circumstances, we may disclose your information without consent as required or permitted by law:
- Emergency Situations: To prevent serious harm to you or others
- Legal Requirements: Court orders or subpoenas
- Public Health: Reporting requirements for communicable diseases
- Professional Oversight: Regulatory bodies or professional colleges
- Quality Assurance: Accreditation and quality improvement activities
Third-Party Service Providers
We may share limited information with trusted service providers who assist in our operations:
- Electronic health record vendors
- Billing and insurance processing companies
- IT support and security providers
- Legal and compliance consultants
All third-party providers are required to sign confidentiality agreements and maintain appropriate safeguards.
Marketing and Fundraising
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal health information for marketing purposes. Any communications about our services or programs will only be sent with your explicit consent.
5. Your Privacy Rights
Right to Access
You have the right to access your personal health information in our custody or control. You may request:
- Copies of your medical records
- Information about who has accessed your records
- Details about how your information has been used
Right to Correction
If you believe there is an error in your personal health information, you may request a correction. We will investigate and make corrections where appropriate.
Right to Complain
If you have concerns about our privacy practices, you may file a complaint with:
- Our Privacy Officer (contact information below)
- The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Right to Withdraw Consent
You may withdraw your consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal health information at any time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.
Request Processing
We will respond to your privacy-related requests within 30 days. In some cases, we may extend this period by an additional 30 days with notification.
6. Medical Disclaimers
Important Medical Disclaimers
Please read these medical disclaimers carefully before using our services or website.
Not a Substitute for Professional Medical Advice
The information provided on our website, in our materials, and through our services is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Treatment Outcomes
Treatment outcomes vary significantly among individuals. While we strive to provide the highest quality care, we cannot guarantee specific treatment results or outcomes. Success in addiction recovery depends on many factors including:
- Individual motivation and commitment
- Severity and duration of addiction
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Family and social support
- Compliance with treatment recommendations
- Participation in aftercare programs
Emergency Situations
Our website and online services are not intended for emergency use. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, contact:
- Emergency Services: 911
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 988
- ART Crisis Line: 1-855-787-2424
Professional Licensing
All clinical staff at ART are licensed by appropriate regulatory bodies. Our physicians are licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and our counselors maintain appropriate certifications and licenses.
Scope of Practice
Our services are provided within the scope of practice defined by regulatory bodies and professional standards. We do not provide services outside our areas of expertise or licensing.
7. Website Terms of Use
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using our website, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement.
Use License
Permission is granted to temporarily view the materials on ART's website for personal, non-commercial transitory viewing only. This is the grant of a license, not a transfer of title, and under this license you may not:
- Modify or copy the materials
- Use the materials for any commercial purpose or for any public display
- Attempt to reverse engineer any software contained on the website
- Remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials
Disclaimer
The materials on ART's website are provided on an 'as is' basis. ART makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights.
Limitations
In no event shall ART or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on ART's website, even if ART or an authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage.
Privacy and Cookies
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyze website traffic. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
- Preference Cookies: Remember your choices and preferences
You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
8. Insurance and Payment Disclaimers
Insurance Verification
While we provide insurance verification services, this verification is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Insurance coverage is subject to:
- Policy terms and conditions
- Deductibles and co-payments
- Prior authorization requirements
- Medical necessity determinations
- Coverage limits and exclusions
Patient Financial Responsibility
Patients are ultimately responsible for:
- Understanding their insurance benefits
- Meeting deductibles and co-payment obligations
- Obtaining required pre-authorizations
- Payment for services not covered by insurance
Billing and Collections
ART reserves the right to pursue collection of unpaid balances through appropriate legal means. We will work with patients to establish reasonable payment arrangements when possible.
Financial Assistance
Limited financial assistance may be available for qualifying patients. Contact our financial counselor to discuss options.
Privacy Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your privacy rights, or need to file a privacy complaint, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Privacy Officer
Addiction Rehab Toronto
4 Warrendale Court
Toronto, ON M9V 1P9
Phone: 1-855-787-2424
Email: [email protected]
We take all privacy concerns seriously and will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
ART reserves the right to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will post the updated policy on this page and update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
You are encouraged to review this privacy policy periodically to stay informed of updates. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.
Notification of Material Changes
If we make material changes to how we collect, use, or disclose your personal health information, we will:
- Provide direct notification to active patients
- Post prominent notice on our website
- Obtain new consent where required by law
Questions About Privacy or Need Treatment?
Our Privacy Officer and clinical team are available 24/7 to address your concerns and help you get the care you need.