Privacy Policy Statement
Chris Petersen, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
As a Registered Massage Therapist and Health Information Custodian under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), I am committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal health information (PHI). This policy explains how I handle your PHI, your rights, and how to contact me with questions or concerns.
1. What is Personal Health Information?
PHI includes any information about your health, medical history, or massage therapy services I provide, such as treatment notes, health conditions, appointment details, or billing records, whether written, electronic, or verbal.
2. Why and How I Collect, Use, and Share Your Information
- Collection: I collect PHI directly from you (e.g., during consultations, intake forms, or conversations) or, with your consent, from other healthcare providers (e.g., referral notes from a physician).
- Use: I use your PHI to:
- Provide massage therapy services (e.g., treatment planning).
- Schedule appointments and send reminders.
- Bill insurance companies or process payments.
- Meet legal or regulatory requirements (e.g., CMTO standards).
- Sharing: I only share your PHI with your consent (express or implied) or as permitted by PHIPA, such as:
- To coordinate care with other healthcare providers (e.g., your doctor or physiotherapist, with your permission).
- For legal or public health reasons (e.g., reporting to authorities if required).
- I do not share your PHI for marketing or unrelated purposes.
3. Your Rights
- Access: You can request to see or get a copy of your PHI (e.g., treatment notes). I will respond within 30 days, though some exceptions may apply (e.g., if it risks harming someone).
- Correction: You can ask to correct inaccurate PHI. I will review and respond promptly.
- Consent: You can limit or withdraw consent for certain uses or disclosures (e.g., sharing with another provider), except where required by law. Submit requests in writing.
- Complaints: If you have privacy concerns, contact me (see below). You can also file a complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at www.ipc.on.ca or 1-800-387-0073.
4. How I Protect Your Information
I use the following safeguards to protect your PHI:
- Physical: Client files are stored in a locked cabinet in my secure home office, accessible only to me.
- Technical: Electronic records (e.g., in my scheduling or billing software) are password-protected, encrypted, and backed up securely.
- Administrative: I follow PHIPA and CMTO guidelines, regularly review my privacy practices, and complete mandatory privacy training.
- Home office: My office is a dedicated, private space in my home, inaccessible to family or visitors.
- Retention and disposal: I keep PHI for at least 10 years after your last visit (per CMTO requirements) and securely dispose of it afterward (e.g., shredding paper records, securely deleting digital files).
5. My Role as Privacy Officer
As the sole proprietor, I am the designated privacy officer responsible for ensuring compliance with PHIPA and addressing your privacy concerns.
6. Contact Information
Chris Petersen, RMT
Hygge Massage
Operates from a private home office in Alliston, Ontario
Phone: (705)-731-9094
Email: chris.n.pRMT@gmail.com
Website: https://hygge-massage.com/
7. Updates to This Policy
I review this policy annually or when my practices change. Updates will be posted on my website or available upon request.
Last updated: September 22, 2025