The Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act

The Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act establishes a procedure for the compulsory reporting of the names of patients who are treated for gunshot and stab wounds. Such reports would be made by hospitals to local police services.

The reports will be made by telephone and will be limited to the identification of the patient and the location of the hospital or prescribed facility where the patient has been treated. No further personal medical information will be disclosed through this procedure. Police services are advised so that they may commence the necessary investigation. The Act is careful to strike an appropriate balance between disclosure of information in the public interest and the protection of privacy for a patient.

Stab wounds are defined so as not to include minor accidents in the home or on the job site.

For more information:

Consolidation of The Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act