Current developments in Canadian privacy and information law: implicationsfor telehealth

An appropriate legal regime protecting privacy of personal information is a n important element in assuring public confidence in telehealth initiatives while at the same time avoiding undue restrictions or difficulties for tho se implementing these technologies. In Canada there are several sources of legal protection of personal information but there is increasing emphasis o n legislation. A bill recently passed by the Canadian House of Commons is e xpected have a significant impact on the way personal information, includin g health information, is handled in the private sector.