Accessing Information at Ross Memorial Hospital
At Ross Memorial Hospital, we want to make accessing information as easy as possible. At the same time, we are committed to protecting your privacy. Understanding the two laws that govern the protection of hospital information will help you to find what you’re looking for as quickly and easily as possible.
What is PHIPA?
The Personal Health Information Protection Act governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information. PHIPA applies to all regulated health professionals. It also gives patients rights related to accessing their health records and determining how their information is used.
What is “personal health information”?
PHIPA defines personal health information as identifiable information relating to an individual’s health and healthcare history:
- diagnostic, treatment and care information
- OHIP numbers
- genetic information
- payments or eligibility for healthcare
- testing or examination of any body part or bodily substance
- your health care number
- information identifying your substitute decision maker
- other health record details
You have the right to look at or receive a copy of your personal health information. There is a cost (per page) to obtain a record and requests must be made in writing. Further information about these costs is available in the Health Records section of the website.
You can also learn more about this process by calling 705-324-6111 and asking for the Health Records department.
What is FIPPA?
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) is legislation that gives the public the right to request the records of public institutions, including hospitals. 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 records.
What is “personal information”?
- national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, orientation or status
- education, medical, psychiatric, psychological, criminal or employment history of the individual
- any identifying number or symbol assigned to the individual
- address, telephone number, fingerprints or blood type
- personal opinions or views
- correspondence and replies
- the views or opinions of another individual about the individual
- the individual's name where it appears with other personal information relating to the individual or where the disclosure would reveal other personal information
How do I access information?
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 to Information Request form, for which public institutions may charge an application fee of $5. (The $5 cheque would be made out to Ross Memorial
Hospital). Additional fees may apply relevant to the cost of research, gathering and sending the information requested.
Is it always necessary to make a formal request for information?
No, the formal process is not always required. In fact, as much as possible, Ross Memorial Hospital is proactively posting information on its website to make accessing information convenient. The information that you are seeking may be readily available, on the hospital’s website, www.rmh.org. When it is not available on the public website, a formal request may be made. If you would like to know more about what information is posted on our website, contact the Coordinator of Employee & Community Relations at 705-328-6246 or email publicrelations@rmh.org.