Client Privacy Policy
Personal Information
Robson Valley Community Services (RVCS) is committed to protecting the privacy of any personal information you may provide when accessing our programs and services. Part of that commitment is to explain what information may be collected and why, how it will be used and who may have access to it. Our practices have been designed to ensure compliance with the privacy provisions of the Personal Information Protection Act (British Columbia) (“PIPA”). Any personal information you provide to us is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with PIPA and by internal records management and data retention policy as governed by provincial requirements. Further details may be reviewed in the RVCS Client Handbook.
All client information is privileged and confidential. Employees shall not transmit any information to another person without prior authorization from the client receiving the direct service (or legal guardian) unless permitted by law. Release of confidential information, when authorized through a “Consent to Release Information,” shall be in the best interest of service delivery to the client and adhere to our Confidentiality and Release of Information Policy.
Virtual Care Services
Through our commitment to reduce barriers for clients RVCS utilizes virtual care services such as video-conferencing and phone communications in addition to the traditional, in-person methods.
Video-conferencing is an online communication tool that allows face-to-face video along with voice and text-based chat discussion. Platforms utilized include Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and are available to RVCS employees and clients, which meet legal requirements outlined by the province. There are, however, limitations and risks that must be addressed.
Some of the risks involved in using virtual care technologies include the potential for privacy breaches resulting from physical or electronic eavesdropping, hacking and software exploits, technical failures, and configuration errors. See our Virtual Care Services Policy for further details.
Please read the data privacy details for Zoom: https://explore.zoom.us/media/privacy-data-sheet-zoom-phone.pdf and Zoom Phone Text Messaging Policy | Zoom
Here you will find data privacy details for Microsoft Teams: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/teams-privacy
Where clients wish to utilize approved forms of virtual communications, but are unfamiliar with the platform, staff must provide enough skills training to ensure reasonable operation.
See the How to Guide for Participants & Clients using Virtual Services to learn more: Zoom Guide for Clients, Zoom SMS Text Guide, or Microsoft Teams Guide for Clients.
