Fundraisers denied access to patient information

Nova Scotia’s health minister has rejected a proposal to allow hospital fundraisers access to patient information.

The QEII and the IWK foundations had asked that they be allowed to access patient names and addresses unless a patient opted-out, a system known as implied consent.

Maureen MacDonald announced Tuesday she would not amend existing legislation to that effect, telling the Herald foundations need to continue asking for a patient’s permission.

She said the extra work would over-burden already busy health workers.

Bruce Marchand with the QEII Foundation says he’s spoken with hospitals in other provinces that allow implied consent and they say the extra work is minimal.

According to an estimate by the foundation, the additional fundraising would bring in $40 million over the next five years.

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