Last Updated: May 12, 2026
Acacia Puddester, Registered Dietitian
License #: 1529
This privacy policy describes how personal health information is collected, used, disclosed, and protected within this dietetic practice, in accordance with the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD).
Your privacy is important. As a Registered Dietitian and a custodian of personal health information under PHIA, I am committed to ensuring that all personal health information in my custody or control is protected against theft, loss, and unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Personal health information includes identifying information about you, such as your name, address, date of birth, health card number, and information related to your physical or mental health, health history, and care. It may also include information about your insurance provider.
Personal health information is collected directly from you (e.g., intake forms, assessments, consultations), and may also be collected from other healthcare providers with your consent where necessary for your care.
We use Signority, a Canadian electronic signature and document management platform, to securely collect and store electronic signatures, consent forms, and related documentation. Signority uses encryption, audit trails, authentication measures, and secure cloud-based technology designed to support compliance with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Personal health information collected through Signority is handled in accordance with Nova Scotia’s Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and the professional confidentiality obligations of Registered Dietitians in Canada. Electronic records are only accessed by authorized individuals for purposes related to the provision and administration of nutrition services. While reasonable safeguards are in place to protect information, no electronic system can guarantee absolute security.
Virtual nutrition counselling sessions are delivered using Zoom for Healthcare, a secure video platform designed for health professionals. This platform is used in accordance with the Nova Scotia Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and the standards of the Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists (NSCDN) to help protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal health information during virtual care.
Your personal health information is collected and used for the following purposes:
To assess your nutritional needs and provide individualized nutrition counselling and care
To communicate with you regarding appointments, services, and follow-up care
To maintain accurate clinical records
To obtain payment for services
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Your information will only be used for purposes consistent with your care, unless otherwise required or permitted by law.
Your personal health information may be shared with other healthcare providers or third parties only with your consent, or where required or permitted by law (e.g., risk of serious harm, legal obligations).
Appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information, including:
Physical safeguards:
Paper records are stored in a locked filing cabinet within a locked home office. Client information is secured in lockable drawers when not in use, and office access is restricted.
Administrative safeguards:
Policies and procedures are in place to ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of personal health information.
Technical safeguards:
Electronic records are protected through secure systems, including:
Password-protected computers and devices
Regularly updated passwords in accordance with best practices for all digital record-keeping and video conferencing platforms
Document encryption and secure electronic signatures and storage using Signority
Procedures are also in place to back up electronic records to prevent data loss and protect against unauthorized access.
To protect your confidentiality:
Communication will take place via secure methods such as email, phone, or approved video conferencing platforms
Discovering Dietetics’ phone line has a password protected confidential voicemail.
I do not accept or respond to client inquiries via social media platforms, including but not limited to X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or text messaging, as these are not secure forms of communication for personal health information
Personal health information is retained in accordance with professional and legal requirements in Nova Scotia.
Client records will be securely retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of the last entry
For clients who are minors, records will be retained for at least 10 years after the client reaches the age of majority (19 in Nova Scotia)
After the retention period has passed, records will be securely destroyed (e.g., shredding of paper files, permanent deletion of electronic records)
Under PHIA, you have the right to:
Access and request a copy of your personal health information
Request corrections to your information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete
Be informed if your personal health information is lost, stolen, or accessed without authorization, where there is a risk of harm or embarrassment
Please note that there are limited exceptions to access, such as information collected during an investigation or information that includes another individual’s personal information.
If you have questions about how your personal health information is handled, or wish to access or correct your records, please contact:
Acacia Puddester, Registered Dietitian
Email: acacia@discoveringdietetics.ca
Phone: 902-333-0970