Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Legislation

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) is an Ontario Statute that was enacted in 1990 and covers government institutions, universities, among other public institutions. Most recently, the Ontario Hospitals via Ontario Hospital Association, requested the Ontario Government to extend the application of FIPPA to Ontario Hospitals in order demonstrate the sector’s deep and continuing commitment to transparency and accountability. In December 2010, the Ontario Government enacted the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, which extended the application of FIPPA to Ontario Hospitals as of January 01, 2012.

FIPPA is a statute with two Principles:

1. Access to Information – Provides public a right of access to hospital records subject to limited exemptions;  and

2. Privacy – to protect the privacy of the individuals with regards to their personal information and to provide a right of access to their personal information held by the hospital.

Members of the public can request access to hospital records by making a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request. Types of records that hospital maintains relates to Hospital Budget, Minutes and agendas and other records such as policies and procedures.

For information about accessing your own medical record, click here.

If you wish to initiate a formal request for hospital records, please fill out the attached form, print and sign. Send your completed form with a $5.00 application fee made to Markham Stouffville Hospital Corporation to the address below:

Request Form

Office of Access and Privacy
Markham Stouffville Hospital
PO Box 1800 - 381 Church Street
Markham, Ontario
L3P 7P3

Enquires can be directed to our Office of Access and Privacy at privacy@msh.on.ca.