Settled case summary #27 — A dental clinic

An individual complained that her dental clinic disclosed information about her overdue account to a person who had referred her to the clinic. The clinic contacted the referral source to inquire about the complainant’s whereabouts and disclosed that her bill was overdue, the amount owing, and that it would be sent to collections. The clinic acknowledged this was against its privacy policy. The parties reached a monetary settlement, including an apology, and the OPC agreed the matter was settled.

• Disclosure of personal information to a third party
• Disclosure of account status and amount owing