Outsourcing Data to Companies Subject to US Legislation

Doctor/patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of health care in Canada and includes patient/client records that are maintained by provincial medical plans. But this confidentiality could be shattered as a result of the BC government's contract with MAXIMUS, Inc. Because BC citizens' medical records are being managed by an American company, they are subject to US legislation, including the highly controversial USA PATRIOT Act. This Act automatically grants the US government unlimited access to your confidential medical records, which can be used for US government investigative purposes. In the name of national security, the Act also permits access without either informing or obtaining consent from any party involved — you, MAXIMUS employees, or even the BC government — and, in fact, imposes strict gag orders prohibiting disclosure so as not to interfere in the investigation.

Find out more about the ways in which your personal privacy is compromised by the government's decision to outsource the management and administration of BC medical records. Read the leaflet and article below.

RPC Leaflet: Who's Eyeballing Your Personal Information?
FIPA: Re: Medical Privacy Rights