ORCCA recognizes the importance of confidentiality for the individuals coming forward with concerns to our office and the individual who is the subject of the concerns. ORCCA will ensure the confidentiality of both parties to the extent permitted by our legal obligations and university policy.

Circumstances where ORCCA staff may be required to release information include:

• We have concerns that you may be at risk of harming yourself or others
• There are reasonable grounds to be concerned about future risk of violence or safety of the university or broader community
• When disclosure is required by law, e.g., suspected abuse of someone under the age of 16, reports of intimate partner/domestic violence or to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• We become aware of harassment, bullying, sexual violence or other forms of violence, including domestic violence that is occurring or has the risk of occurring in the workplace
• Information about an incident is available in the public realm, e.g., if there is information publicly posted on social media about an incident of sexual violence, discrimination or harassment connected to McMaster University
• There are reporting requirements of a relevant regulatory or professional licensing body, e.g., if a licensed professional, such as a health care practitioner or special constable, is alleged to have engaged in misconduct
• McMaster University is subject to legal proceedings that require the disclosure of information

ORCCA abides and adheres to all legal reporting requirements. We can also serve the FHS community by advising on when those requirements may come into effect.

Reporting requirements to health professionals regulatory bodies are found in the Regulated Health Professions Act.