Settled case summary #27 — A dental clinic
An individual complained that her dental clinic disclosed information about her overdue account to the person who had referred her to the clinic. The complainant had been in hospital and respite care, missing invoices. The clinic, seeking her whereabouts, disclosed to the referrer that her bill was overdue, the amount owing, and that it would go to collections. The clinic acknowledged this violated its privacy policy, stating it should have only requested contact information. During the investigation, the clinic and complainant reached a monetary settlement, including an apology letter. The OPC and complainant agreed the matter was settled.
- 1Whether the dental clinic disclosed personal information without consent
- 2Whether the disclosure of overdue bill details, amount owing, and collection threat to a third party was appropriate
- 3Whether the clinic's actions violated its own privacy policy
- Disclosure of personal information: Disclosure violated privacy policy
- Monetary settlement: Settlement reached between parties
- Apology letter: Apology provided by institution
- Complaint resolution: Matter settled by agreement
Complaint settled
The complaint was settled through a monetary agreement and an apology letter between the clinic and the complainant, which was satisfactory to both parties and the OPC.
The clinic provided a monetary settlement and a letter of apology to the complainant.
This summary is informational only and not legal advice.
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