Medical invoice found behind clinic triggers investigation by provincial regulator

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba is investigating a complaint regarding improper storage of medical records after documents were discovered outside a medical clinic on Henderson Highway.

A spokesperson said the college, which regulates the medical profession in the province, became aware of the incident Friday, “thanks to the quick thinking of the individual who spotted the records and immediately contacted us.”

“Our role is to work with the physician and/or clinic responsible to ensure this is corrected.”

The spokesperson said no determination of wrongdoing has been made as the investigation into what occurred is ongoing.

According to a post on Reddit, the documents were found behind the Ray of Hope Medical Centre at 775 Henderson.

Terri-Lee Nenka, an employee at the clinic, told the Free Press Friday that the document found was an invoice for the pharmacy at the clinic showing delivery amounts for drugs, along with discarded manufacturer’s pharmaceutical bottles.

“There was absolutely nothing pertaining to any personal medical information,” Nenka said.

She added that the clinic shreds all records meant to be discarded, with a third-party company responsible for disposing of the shredded documents.

“I wish the person who found it had just come in and sorted it out with us instead of making a post online about it,” Nenka said, adding the clinic had been fielding calls all day from patients about the post.

The college said it is working with the clinic to resolve the issue.

“There are established standards of practice to ensure patient records are maintained and stored appropriately,” the spokesperson said.

“In addition, as a general approach, a notification to the Manitoba Ombudsman, as the overseer of the Public Health Information Act, is completed when PHIA breaches are identified.”

The college encouraged anyone who comes across any medical documents to immediately report them, but to refrain from taking photos of them, as they could contain private health information.

“We encourage anyone with questions or concerns about how their doctor or medical clinic collects, uses, stores and shares their health information to contact CPSM and the Manitoba Ombudsman,” the spokesperson said.

The college is also planning to post updated information for the public regarding patient records on its website next week.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca