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Data Access Requests

You can request public health data, BCCDC health records or BCCDC corporate records from us. You must make your request in writing and follow the procedures outlined here.

Request public health data

BCCDC facilitates access to the following:

  • Panorama. Public health information system used by health professionals in BC, Yukon and First Nations communities. Includes communicable diseases, family health and immunizations data
  • Drug & Poison Information Centre. Poison-information services to the BC public and health professionals. Includes call-specific data on accidental and suspected poisonings
  • BCCDC Public Health Laboratory. BC’s primary public health and reference diagnostic testing facility. Includes provincial public health laboratory and diagnostic data

 

Public health data holdings contains a list of the data categories available for each system.


  1. Download the data request application form. We have a single form to request all data holdings.
  2. Carefully review “Before you complete this application” on the first page of the form. You must provide sufficient detail in your application, and obtain ethics board approval if you are planning to use the data in a research project   
  3. Complete all questions on the form and follow all instructions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  4. Submit the application form and supporting documents to us by email. Paper applications will not be considered. 
Data requests are placed in a queue based on date of receipt. Approval times and release of data will vary depending on the complexity of the request. You will be contacted about your request if any clarifications are required. Requests typically require 6 to 12 weeks to process. All requests must abide by our Terms & Conditions. 

Depending on the nature of the data requested and the use of that data, requestors may be asked to sign an additional confidentiality agreement or research agreement before receiving the data.

Fees may apply to offset the cost of processing your request. You will be notified if fees are required.


Request a BCCDC health record

BCCDC has health records at the following BCCDC services:

  • the Tuberculosis Clinic at BCCDC and in New Westminster and the Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic at BCCDC and on Bute Street in Vancouver. The clinics maintain health records for everyone who receives treatment at one of the clinics (health records contain documents such as reports from care providers, test results and pharmacy information)
  • Drug & Poison Information Centre. The centre maintains records for calls made by individuals to our poison information line

 

Requests for health records are completed under our Release of Health Records process. This process is typically used for processing requests for patient medical records, either from the patient themselves or from a third party such as hospitals, ICBC, and law firms. If you are a third party requesting a health record on behalf of a patient, we require the patient’s written consent prior to release.

  1. Download the Request for Access to Health Records form. You can also request a form in person from one of our clinics.
  2. Fully complete the form. Provide all requested information, including appropriate signatures.
  3. Submit the completed form by fax or physical mail. See the form for contact information. For privacy reasons we do not accept request forms by email. 

BCCDC will respond to your request within 30 working days. You may be contacted should any additional information or clarification of your request be required.


There is no fee for requesting a copy of your own information (e.g. your medical record). Fees may apply for requests made by a third party on your behalf.

Request a BCCDC corporate record

BCCDC releases corporate records as permitted under the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 

The Freedom of Information (FOI) process is typically used for processing requests for information that is not already publicly available on the BCCDC website or through the processes for requesting public health data or a BCCDC health record. 

 

All FOI requests for BCCDC corporate records must be submitted to and processed by the Information Access & Privacy Office at PHSA.


For more information, see PHSA FOI Requests. 

Our commitment to access

BCCDC is committed to openness, transparency and access to its activities and public health data holdings. We provide access to our records as set out in the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act | Our Privacy Notice 
SOURCE: Data Access Requests ( )
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