Freedom of Information Requests

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) maintains a Directory of Records listing the general classes or types of records in its custody.

Begin the process for requesting information with an informal request to the department you believe may hold the information required.  Describe the records requested to Administration.  You will be assisted in your request and told whether the information is readily available or if you will be required to submit a formal request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

When an informal request to access information is denied, a formal application can be made under FIPPA.  Application must be in writing.  An application form is available from the Access Office or you may click on the link to print an application form.  Submit your formal application for the requested records to MAHC's Access Office.

• Provide enough detail to enable MAHC to identify the records.  The more specific your request, the more efficiently and accurately it can be answered.
• Attach payment for the required fees.
• The Privacy and Access Office may contact you to clarify your request.
• MAHC will make every reasonable effort to respond to a request no later than 30 calendar days after receiving it, unless specific exceptions apply that warrant an extended period of time for MAHC to respond.
• An applicant may request the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner to review any decision made by MAHC that relates to a request for access or correction.

Steps to follow:

1. First check the Directory of Records to make sure MAHC maintains the information you need.
2. Complete the online Freedom of Information Request Form.
   • You must clearly identify the records you are seeking. Be sure to include your contact information.
3. Prepare a cheque or money order for $5 payable to "Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare".
4. Mail your non-refundable $5 application fee to: 
   Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Privacy Office 
   75 Ann Street 
   Bracebridge, ON  P1L 2E4

Once we receive your application, we will send you a written acknowledgement of your request.

Need help completing the form? Contact the Privacy Office at 705-645-4404 ext. 3398.

Under the Act you may appeal any decision regarding access or correction to Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner within 30 days from the date of receipt of the letter denying your request.  Make your appeal by writing to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner at:

2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 
Telephone: 416-326-3333 or toll-free 1-800-387-0073
Fax: 416-325-9195

For more information, visit the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner's website.

The $5 application fee is mandatory and non-refundable.  Under FIPPA, MAHC may charge additional fees to process your request. These may include:

• Search and prepare a record for disclosure
• $7.50 per quarter hour ($30 per hour)
• Photocopy charges
• $0.20 per page
• CD request
• $10 per CD

Other charges, if incurred, will be provided via invoice.  You will be advised of processing fees that may exceed $25.  You will be asked to pay a deposit of 50% if the estimated processing cost exceeds $100.

We will let you know whether any exemptions under FIPPA might apply to the records you are requesting so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to pay the deposit.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Privacy Office
75 Ann Street
Bracebridge,ON P1L2E4

Telephone:  705-645-4404 ext. 3398

Or e-mail the Privacy Officer at privacy@mahc.ca.

In the event that the Privacy Officer is unavailable, please contact the Board Liaison at 705-789-2311, ext. 2342.

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) is legislation that gives the public right to request information of public institutions, including hospitals as of January 1, 2012.  FIPPA regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, and the retention, destruction, security and accuracy of personal information; it requires hospitals to maintain certain data banks; it applies to all existing corporate information.

No, the formal process is not always required.  In fact, as much as possible, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare proactively discloses information on its public website to make accessing information convenient for you.  The information that you are seeking may be readily available, on the hospital's public website. 

When it is not available on the public website, consult the Directory of Information to ensure that we have the information you want, then download and complete the Access Request Form.  You must clearly identify the information to which access is requested and be sure to include your contact information together with the $5 application fee (non-refundable) payable to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare.

If you are making a formal request for access to information or access to personal information or to have your personal information corrected, you must fill out the Access Request Form, for which public institutions may charge an application fee of $5. (The $5 cheque would be made out to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare).  Additional fees may apply relevant to the cost of research, gathering and sending the information requested.

You have the right to appeal a decision of the Privacy Officer to the Provincial Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.  Appeals must be made within 30 days of when you receive the decision that you wish to appeal. You may contact the Commissioner at:  Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario at 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M4W 1A8.

The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) came into effect in Ontario, Canada on Nov. 1, 2004.  PHIPA prescribes rules for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information (PHI) in all types of health care settings, including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, laboratories, ambulance services, and nursing homes.  PHIPA applies to all regulated health professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health professionals) and to non-regulated health professionals, who provide health care for payment, such as acupuncturists, psychotherapists, and ultrasonographers.  PHIPA also gives patients rights related to access to their health records and how their health information is used.  PHIPA defines personal health information (PHI) as identifiable information relating to an individual's health and health care history.  For example, information contained in medical files such as diagnostic, treatment and care information, OHIP numbers, genetic information and other health record details.  To make a request related to Personal Health Information please email the Privacy Officer at privacy@mahc.ca.

No, personal health information is subject to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).  PHI at MAHC may only be used and disclosed in accordance with PHIPA.  For more information about personal health information in our Privacy Policy.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Privacy Office
75 Ann Street, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E4
Telephone:  705-645-4404 ext. 3398

Or e-mail the Privacy Officer at privacy@mahc.ca.

In the event that the Privacy Officer is unavailable, please contact the Board Liaison at 705-789-2311, ext. 2342.

You can appeal the decision.  FIPPA provides an individual with the right to appeal any decision by the head of an institution, including the decision to charge a fee.  The Information and Privacy Commissioner is authorized to conduct an independent review of any decision made by MAHC under FIPPA. 

Contact the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner:

2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON M4W 1A8
Telephone:  416-326-3333 or toll-free 1-800-387-0073
Fax:  416-325-9195