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LPNs
Confidentiality Guideline
What’s in the document?
Regulated health professionals follow common standards for their competence and conduct. In our series, “What’s in the Document?” we will share information on key requirements for Health Care Aides (HCAs) in Alberta as established in documents from the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA).
What Is the Confidentiality Guideline?
CLHA practice guidelines give HCAs evidence-based guidance to make safe and appropriate decisions in their practice.
The Confidentiality practice guideline helps HCAs understand their responsibility to respect client privacy and maintain the confidentiality of client information.
What’s in the Document?
Sharing a client’s information without permission with colleagues, healthcare providers, family, or friends may result in a finding of unprofessional conduct. Some examples of areas where HCAs should exercise caution are described in this guideline.
- Technology: HCAs must follow any legal and employer requirements related to using computers, cell phones, etc. to document or share client information.
- Personal notes: All written client information not kept in a client’s record, such as client assignment sheets or notes, should be thrown out in a confidential shredding container.
- Accessing information: HCAs should only access the information of clients they are directly providing care to. Accessing the information or records of family members, friends, colleagues, or unassigned clients is a violation of privacy.
- Disclosing information: Generally, client information can only be shared with people outside a client’s healthcare team (including family and friends) after the client consents. This means that the client should understand the reason their information is being shared and that they agree to the sharing of their information. This agreement should be documented in the client’s records. This guideline includes different cases for disclosure, such as when the client is underaged or deceased.
Where Can I Find More Information?
CLHA Documents
Defines the professional expectations for HCAs across all practice areas and settings.
Establishes six fundamental principles that govern HCA practice.
Provides an overview of an HCA’s duty to report specific types of information.
Other Resources
Explores HCA professional expectations for safe, ethical practice.
Teaches HCAs how to document their work accurately and in line with legal standards.
Explains how the HCA profession is regulated in Alberta, introducing key responsibilities.
How to Use CLHA Documents
When determining practice and conduct requirements, HCAs can refer to CLHA documents and employer requirements.