Confidentiality Policy
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Your privacy is an essential part of social work practice. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of your personal and personal health information in accordance with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, the Nova Scotia Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and other applicable laws.
Information you share during counselling or social work services will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed without your knowledge and consent, except where disclosure is required or permitted by law.
Collection and Use of Information
We collect only the information necessary to provide safe, ethical, and effective social work services. This may include:
Contact and identifying information
Health, mental health, and psychosocial history
Assessment and treatment information
Session notes and clinical records
Information relevant to billing or insurance claims
Your information is used to:
Provide assessment, counselling, and treatment
Coordinate care when appropriate and with your consent
Maintain accurate clinical records
Meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
Your Consent
Except where permitted or required by law, your information will only be shared with your informed consent. You may withdraw or limit your consent at any time, although this may affect our ability to provide services.
Written consent is generally required before information is released to family members, physicians, schools, employers, lawyers, insurance companies, or other third parties.
Limits to Confidentiality
There are circumstances where social workers are legally or ethically required or permitted to disclose information without your consent. These include, but are not limited to:
When there are reasonable grounds to believe disclosure is necessary to prevent or reduce a significant risk of serious harm to you or another person.
When there are concerns regarding the abuse or neglect of a child and a report is required under Nova Scotia law.
When there are concerns regarding the abuse or neglect of an adult where reporting is required by applicable legislation.
When records are required by a court order, subpoena, or other lawful authority.
When disclosure is required for investigations or proceedings involving the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers or another regulatory body.
When otherwise authorized or required under the Personal Health Information Act or other applicable legislation.
Whenever possible and appropriate, we will discuss the need for disclosure with you before information is shared.
Consultation and Supervision
To ensure the highest quality of care, social workers may consult with clinical supervisors or professional colleagues. During these consultations, only the information necessary for professional purposes is shared, and all individuals involved are bound by the same confidentiality obligations.
Record Storage and Security
Your records are stored securely using administrative, physical, and electronic safeguards designed to protect against unauthorized access, loss, theft, or disclosure.
Clinical records are retained for the period required by applicable legislation and professional standards before being securely destroyed.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Request access to your personal health information.
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Ask questions about how your information is collected, used, and disclosed.
Withdraw consent for certain disclosures where permitted by law.
Requests for access or correction should be made in writing.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about this confidentiality policy or your privacy rights, please speak with your social worker.
If you believe your privacy rights have not been respected, you may also contact the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers or the appropriate privacy oversight authority.