Page 3 of 7: New guidelines for AV recordings by patients and visitors

Unity Health has released a new guideline on audio and visual recordings by patients and visitors. Under Canadian law, patients are permitted to take a recording of a conversation they’re involved in without the consent of the other party, including recordings that staff and physicians may or may not be aware of. The new guideline outlines the expectations for staff and physicians within this legal framework.

We want to support our teams so they continue to feel safe at work. Recordings are not permitted in cases where a recording is illegal, obstructive, disruptive, targeted or harassing. We have developed an escalation process (outlined in the ‘Information for staff and physicians’ document below) and a number of resources to build awareness about the new guideline and help staff and physicians in situations where a patient would like to record their care.

Resources:

• Guideline: Audio and Video Recordings by Patients and Visitors
• Information for staff and physicians on the new guidelines (includes escalation process)
• Conversation starters for staff and physicians– key phrases to support staff during a recording encounter
• Hospital signage – 8.5x11 and 11x17 posters available to post in clinical areas. Leaders can order them from the Print Shop using this code: 90109
• Guideline FAQs for patients – these have been publicly posted on the Unity Health website and can be shared with patients and visitors, should they have questions

We appreciate your support in familiarizing yourself with the new guideline and these resources. If you have any questions about the guideline or these materials, please speak with your supervisor.