What is the federal law governing the protection of personal health information in Canada?

The federal law governing the protection of personal health information in Canada is the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This legislation establishes the framework for how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities, which includes health information if it is held by private organizations. PIPEDA aims to balance an individual's right to privacy with the need of organizations to collect and use personal information for legitimate purposes.

PIPEDA applies across Canada, with some provinces having their own privacy laws that may provide equivalent protections. However, in the context of federal jurisdiction, PIPEDA is the key piece of legislation addressing personal information protection in various sectors, including healthcare.

The other options refer to various laws or acts that do not apply at the federal level in the same context. For instance, the Personal Health Information Protection Act typically pertains to specific provincial legislation regarding health information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. law, and the Medical Information Privacy Act is not a recognized federal law in Canada. Understanding PIPEDA is crucial for practicing dietetics and managing client information responsibly within the framework of Canadian privacy laws.