In Ontario, Canada, the collection, use and sharing of personal health information is governed by legislation, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

Shelters, hostels and other agencies that are operated by the City of Toronto are governed instead by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

However, in regard to a partnership of agencies, following the guidelines of PHIPA can cover off on both acts. All forms, such as the application and consent forms, are consistent with these acts.

For Concurrent Disorders Support Services (CDSS) to provide service, the client must consent to the collection, use and sharing of personal information with partners. Some notable or possibly unusual features of the CDSS consent form are:

• It lists all partners.
• It lists all purposes, including using any information on the application form to make contact, in case the applicant is homeless or hard to reach.
• It requests applicants to provide consent for as long as it takes to receive wanted intake services.
• Any mark by the applicant on the signature line will suffice as a signature.
• If the applicant is willing to give consent but afraid to sign, due to mental health or other issues, the worker can attest to the client’s consent.
• The applicant has the right to give partial or withdraw consent. If this limits or prevents service, CDSS discusses and tries to resolve the issue with the applicant.