Privacy Policy

Effective Date: February 2026
Last Updated: February 2026

Introduction

Dr. Shawna Darou, ND (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal and personal health information. We provide naturopathic and functional medicine services, educational programs, and online courses.

As an Ontario-based naturopathic practice, we comply with:

The Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA – Ontario)

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA – Canada)

Applicable professional and regulatory standards for naturopathic medicine

Accepted privacy and security practices for virtual healthcare delivery

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you interact with our website, services, programs, and digital platforms.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect:

Full name

Email address

Phone number

Mailing address

Date of birth

Emergency contact information

Account login credentials

Billing and payment details

Personal Health Information

When you receive clinical services, consultations, or personalized program support, we may collect personal health information, including:

Health history

Symptoms and diagnoses

Medications and supplements

Laboratory and diagnostic results

Nutrition and lifestyle information

Intake forms and questionnaires

Treatment plans and recommendations

Clinical notes and progress records

Program participation data

Website & Technical Information

When you visit our website or course platforms, we may collect:

IP address

Browser and device information

Pages visited and time on site

Referral sources

Cookies and analytics data

Course engagement metrics

How Information Is Collected

Information is collected:

Directly from you through forms and questionnaires

During consultations and program participation

Through appointment booking systems

Through secure client portals

Through course and membership platforms

Through payment processors

Through email or messaging communications

Through website analytics and cookies

We collect only the information reasonably necessary to provide services and operate our programs.

Purpose of Collection

We collect and use your information to:

Provide naturopathic and functional medicine care

Deliver online programs and courses

Develop personalized health recommendations

Manage appointments and client communication

Process payments

Maintain clinical records as required by law

Improve programs and services

Send newsletters and educational materials (with consent)

Meet legal and regulatory obligations

Consent

Your consent is required for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information and personal health information, except where permitted or required by law.

Consent may be:

Written

Verbal

Electronic

Implied through participation in services

You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal and professional record-keeping obligations. Withdrawal may affect our ability to continue providing services.

Marketing communications are sent only with express consent, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

Use and Disclosure of Personal Health Information (PHIPA)

As a health information custodian under Ontario law, Dr. Shawna Darou, ND may use and disclose personal health information only:

To provide or assist in providing your care

With your consent

To laboratories or testing providers you authorize

To other healthcare providers involved in your care (with consent)

For billing and payment processing

When required by law or regulatory authorities

Where necessary to reduce risk of serious harm, as permitted by law

We do not sell personal or health information.

Online Programs and Group Services

Telehealth and online services are delivered using third-party platforms selected for privacy and security standards. While reasonable safeguards are used, no internet transmission is completely secure.

By participating in virtual services, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Virtual Care & Online Platforms

For group programs, courses, and community sessions:

Participants may voluntarily share personal information

Participants are asked to respect the confidentiality of others

We cannot guarantee confidentiality of information shared by participants

Group sessions may be recorded for participant access — notice will be provided

Educational courses that do not include individualized care are not considered medical treatment.

Third-Party Service Providers

We may use third-party providers for:

Scheduling and booking

Electronic health records

Course and membership platforms

Video conferencing

Payment processing

Email communications

Data storage

Website analytics

These providers are required to maintain appropriate privacy safeguards. Some data may be stored outside Ontario or Canada and may be subject to foreign laws.

Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to:

Improve website functionality

Understand user behavior

Enhance user experience

Measure marketing effectiveness

You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

Email and Electronic Communication

Email and standard messaging are not always fully secure. By communicating electronically, you acknowledge this limitation.

Sensitive medical information should be shared through secure platforms whenever possible.

Record Retention

Clinical and client records are retained in accordance with:

Ontario regulatory requirements

Professional college standards

Legal obligations

Records are securely destroyed when no longer required.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

Request access to your information

Request corrections to inaccurate records

Withdraw consent where applicable

Ask how your information has been used

File a privacy complaint

Requests must be submitted in writing.

Children and Minors

Information about minors is collected only with parent or guardian consent and only when necessary for services.

Cross-Border Clients

If you access services from outside Ontario or Canada, your information will be handled according to Canadian privacy standards and Ontario health privacy law where applicable.

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The current version will always be posted on the website with the updated effective date.

Contact — Privacy Officer

Website: https://drshawnadarou.com/

Contact: https://drshawnadarou.com/contact

Questions or privacy concerns may be directed to the Privacy Officer in writing.