Discovery Health’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) podcast for healthcare professionals

Welcome to an eight-part podcast series designed to empower healthcare professionals to truly understand the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). This podcast series is hosted by Discovery Health’s Deputy Information Officer, Larry Borowitz. Podcasts are each between 2 to 6 minutes in length and share must-know advice on reaching POPIA compliance by 1 July 2021.

English South Africa Education

8 Episodes

A brief history of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

Larry takes us back to November 2013 when the Act was signed into law. He also explains the appointment of the Information Regulator at the end of 2016, and processes that have led to the 1 July 2021 cut-off date for full POPIA compliance.

Season 1 / Episode 1 2 min

Who is responsible for protecting “Personal Information” and “Special Personal Information”

POPIA distinguishes “Personal Information” from “Special Personal Information”. Why is this distinction critical to protecting patient information? And, who are the roleplayers who must ensure that this information is secure?

Season 1 / Episode 2 5 min

Meet these 8 conditions to ensure lawful processing of information

POPIA can be thought of as comprehensive data protection legislation enacted in South Africa. Larry delves into eight conditions that must be met in order to ensure lawful processing of information under POPIA.

Season 1 / Episode 3 6 min

Acquiring and using patient data

When a patient visits a medical practice for the first time, they fill in a form that provides both clinical and administrative information. What must both doctors and patients know about correctly acquiring, dealing with and disposing of this information? And why is a “Privacy Statement” fundamental in this regard?

Season 1 / Episode 4 5 min

Communicating with patients, sharing patient data and direct marketing

One of POPIA’s key objectives it to limit information being shared inappropriately. Larry delves into the way in which POPIA considers all areas of sharing patient data, communicating with existing customers and considers the dynamics around direct marketing.

Season 1 / Episode 5 4 min

What is Discovery Health doing to ensure POPIA compliance and to assist healthcare practitioners?

Discovery Health’s POPIA-readiness efforts date back to 2014. Among initiatives in place are processes to increase internal and external systems’ security, streamline access control and more. Discovery Health has also created three platforms to ensure secure engagement with healthcare providers and protection of medical scheme members’ data.

Season 1 / Episode 6 4 min

Your POPIA checklist: 10 key considerations

What are ten key considerations for POPIA readiness? Larry explains each of the necessary steps required – from the appointment of an Information Officer to training your staff on POPIA.

Season 1 / Episode 7 4 min

POPIA compliance is driven both by the letter and spirit of the law

There is a legal imperative to comply with POPIA or face serious legal consequences - which Larry expands on. However, the spirit of this Act is principles-based and simply about upholding everyone’s right to privacy. At the end of the day, adherence to the POPIA is simply about doing the…

Season 1 / Episode 8 2 min