Your rights
Right to refuse
When you exercise your right to refuse, you can:
- refuse to allow any of your health information in the QHR databases to be released through the QHR;
- refuse to allow any of your health information that was collected before a date that you determine to be released through the QHR;
- modify your refusal;
- cancel your refusal.
The only way to indicate that you do not want your health information to be released through the DSQ is to submit a formal request to exercise your right to refuse.
You may, at any time, refuse to allow your health information in the QHR databases to be released to authorized providers or bodies. However, your health information will continue to be collected in the QHR databases. This will, for instance, ensure that your health information is complete if you decide to cancel your refusal.
Even if you have exercised your right to refuse, relevant health information from the imaging domain (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) may be shared with medical specialists when they interpret a new examination.
Under no circumstances will your refusal affect your right to receive the care and services required by your state of health.
The only way to indicate that you do not want your health information to be released through the DSQ is to submit a formal request to exercise your right to refuse.
Right to refuse: minors and incompetent adults
The refusal of a child under the age of 14 or of an incompetent person must be expressed by the person who has parental authority or the guardian, trustee or proxy of that person.
How to exercise your right to refuse
You can exercise your right to refuse in one of the following ways:
- By Internet, by filling out the secure refusal form
- By mail, by filling out the refusal form or modification of refusal form and returning it to the address indicated on the form.
- By telephone:
- Montreal region: 514-864-3411
- Québec City region: 418-646-4636
- Other regions (toll free): 1-800-561-9749
If you express your refusal by internet, you will be sent a confirmation number immediately.
If you express your refusal by mail or by telephone, written confirmation will be sent to your last address known to the Régie d'assurance maladie du Québec.
You can request access to two types of information.
- Your health information in the QHR databases. This information can also be accessed through the Québec Health Booklet.
- A list of providers and bodies that have accessed your information. Whenever an authorized provider or body consults information in the QHR, their electronic signature and the action performed are automatically recorded. This information can be accessed through the Québec Health Booklet.
How to request access to information
If you cannot access your health information through the Health Booklet, you must, in both of the above cases, send the duly completed access to information request form to the person in charge of access to information at the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux. Their contact information is indicated on the form. Your request must be accompanied by a copy of a valid identity document with a photo and signature.
Request for a copy of health information
The person in charge of access to information must respond to your request for access to your health information within a maximum of 20 calendar days from the date the request is received. They may extend this period by a maximum of 10 additional calendar days by notifying you in advance by mail.
Request for access to the list of authorized providers and bodies
For a request for access to the list of authorized providers and bodies that have consulted your information, the person in charge of access to information must respond within a maximum of 45 calendar days from the date the request is received. They may extend this period by a maximum of 15 additional calendar days by notifying you in advance by mail.
In the event of a partial or total refusal by the person in charge of access to information, you may file an application for review with the Commission d’accès à l’information .
Right to access information: minors and incompetent adults
Minor who is under 14 years of age
A minor who is under 14 years of age may not be informed of the content of their health record or obtain a copy of their health information. However, a request may be completed by their mother, father or legal guardian.
However, if a director of youth protection determines that the release of all or some of this health information may cause harm to the child's health, this right may be denied.
Minor who is 14 years of age or older
A minor who is 14 years of age or older may submit a request themselves. They may also consent to the person who has parental authority or the legal guardian receiving a copy of their information. In this case, their consent must be attached to the access request.
A person who is 14 years of age or older who is incompetent and in protective care
A request for access to health information from a person who is 14 years of age or older who is incompetent and in protective care must be completed by their guardian, trustee or representative.
Right to have your health information corrected
If you find that any information about you in the QHR is inaccurate, incomplete or equivocal, you have the right to request that it be corrected.
How to request a correction of your health information
You must send the duly completed request to rectify information form to the person in charge of access to information at the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux. Their contact information is indicated on the form. Your request must be accompanied by a copy of a valid identity document with a photo and signature.
The person in charge of access to information must respond to your request within a maximum of 20 calendar days from the date the request is received. They may extend this period by a maximum of 10 additional calendar days by notifying you in advance by mail.
In the event of a partial or total refusal by the person in charge of access to information, you may file an application for review with the Commission d’accès à l’information .
Right to file a complaint
You have the right to file a complaint about the QHR. Any failure to protect your health information may be the subject of a complaint and lead to an inquiry by the Commission d’accès à l’information .
How to file a complaint
To exercise this right, you must send the duly completed complaint form to the person in charge of Coordination centrale de la gestion de l'information de santé DSQ at the address indicated on the form. Your complaint must be specific and state your objectives.
Last update: January 10, 2023
