During a complaint investigation, if a provincial college receives information, what role does the college play?

In the context of a complaint investigation, the provincial college plays the role of a non-custodian receiving personal health information (PHI). This means that while the college may receive information as part of its investigative process, it does not maintain or control that information in the same way a healthcare provider would as a custodian.

When the college receives information related to a complaint, it is the responsibility of the college to ensure that the information is handled following relevant privacy legislation. This typically includes safeguarding the confidentiality of the information and using it only for the purposes related to the investigation. Therefore, the role of the college is focused on the reception and assessment of the information, without having the same custodial responsibilities as a healthcare provider.

The other options either misrepresent the college's role regarding the handling of information or suggest obligations that do not align with the regulatory frameworks and practices followed by professional colleges in the context of complaint investigations.