Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

• Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Date of birth and health history when booking appointments
• Payment information (processed securely through our payment provider)
• Communications you send to us via email, phone, or contact forms

Health Information

• Medical history, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment details shared during consultations
• Lab results and other clinical data submitted to or generated by our practitioners

Automatically Collected Information

• IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and referring URLs
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see our Cookie Policy)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To schedule and manage your appointments and clinical care
• To communicate with you about your treatment, follow-ups, and health recommendations
• To process payments and maintain billing records
• To improve our website, services, and patient experience
• To send you health tips, clinic updates, or promotional content (only with your consent)
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations under Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA) and PIPEDA

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: when you have explicitly authorised disclosure to another healthcare provider or third party
• Service providers: with trusted vendors who assist in operating our website and clinic (e.g., scheduling software, payment processors), under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal requirements: when required by law, court order, or regulatory authority
• Health emergencies: when disclosure is necessary to protect your health or safety, or that of another person

4. Health Information Act (HIA) Compliance

As a healthcare provider in Alberta, VeraVita Naturopathic Clinic complies with the Health Information Act (HIA). Your health information is collected, used, and disclosed only as permitted by the HIA and applicable regulations. You have the right to:

• Request access to your health records
• Request corrections to inaccurate health information
• File a complaint with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal and health information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, or as required by applicable law. Under the HIA, patient records are typically retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of last service, or until a minor patient reaches the age of 18, whichever is longer.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and administrative safeguards to protect your information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include encrypted data transmission, secure servers, access controls, and staff training on privacy practices. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer: