Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2026
Introduction
Dr. Colin MacLeod ND ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services or communicate with our practice.
We comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial health privacy legislation in Nova Scotia.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Health Information: Medical history, symptoms, treatment records, lab results and other health-related information necessary for your care
- Appointment Information: Booking details, appointment history and scheduling preferences
- Payment Information: Billing details and insurance information for processing payments
Website Data
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages and navigation patterns
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system and IP address
- Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to improve your experience
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide naturopathic medical care and treatment
- Schedule and manage appointments
- Process payments and insurance claims
- Communicate with you about your care, appointments and health information
- Respond to your inquiries and contact form submissions
- Improve our website and services
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
How We Protect Your Information
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal and health information, including:
- Secure, encrypted communication channels
- Password-protected electronic health records
- Physical security measures for paper records
- Staff training on privacy and confidentiality
- Regular review of our security practices
Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, trade or rent your personal information. We may disclose your information only in the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: When you authorize us to share information with other healthcare providers
- For Treatment: To other healthcare professionals involved in your care, with your knowledge
- Service Providers: To trusted third parties who assist us in operating our practice (e.g., appointment booking system, payment processors)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation or legal process
- Emergency Situations: To protect your health or safety, or the health and safety of others
Third-Party Services
Our website and practice use the following third-party services:
- Jane App: Our online booking system. Jane App has its own privacy policy governing how appointment and patient information is handled.
- Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. This service collects anonymized data about your browsing behavior. You can opt out by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Web3Forms: Our contact form submissions are processed through Web3Forms. Your form data is transmitted securely and not stored longer than necessary.
Your Rights
Under PIPEDA and applicable privacy legislation, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information we hold
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw your consent to certain uses of your information (though this may affect our ability to provide services)
- Complaint: File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
Retention of Information
We retain your personal and health information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, and as required by applicable laws and professional regulations. In Nova Scotia, medical records are typically retained for a minimum of 10 years after your last visit or longer for certain types of records.
Children's Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children online. For patients under 18, we obtain consent from a parent or guardian.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights or have concerns about how your information is handled, please contact us:
Dr. Colin MacLeod ND
Optimal Wellbeing Clinic
1378 Bedford Highway
Bedford, NS B4A 1E2
Phone: (902) 406-4424
For complaints about privacy practices, you may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca.