Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) has applied to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine since June 10, 2006.

The purposes of this Act are:

(a) to provide a right of access to information under the control of institutions in accordance with the principles that,

1. information should be available to the public,
2. necessary exemptions from the right of access should be limited and specific, and
3. decisions on the disclosure of government information should be reviewed independently of government; and

(b) to protect the privacy of individuals with respect to personal information about themselves held by institutions and to provide individuals with a right of access to that information.

Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Office of the Chief Operating Officer

May 19, 2017

Access to Information

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine, through its administrative and academic units, routinely provides information to the public. An official access request for information which can be routinely released to the public is not required.

Informal Process
Begin the process for requesting information with an informal request to the Unit that you believe may hold the information required. Describe the records requested to the contact person in the Unit. 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 Act.

Formal Process
When an informal request to access information is denied, a formal application can be made under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A Request to Access Information form is available below.

• Submit a formal application for the requested records to the Director of Planning and Risk in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer.
• Provide enough detail to enable the School to identify the records.
• Indicate whether you want a copy of the record or to examine the record.
• Attach payment for the required fees.
• The Director of Planning and Risk may contact you to clarify your request.
• The School must 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 the School to respond.

An applicant may request that the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario review any decision made by the School that relates to a request. Information on the appeal process can be accessed at: Information and Privacy Commissioner Appeal Process

Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Office of the Chief Operating Officer

May 17, 2017

FIPPA Policies and Protocols

• Collection of Personal Information Protocol
• Information Access and Protection of Privacy Policy
• FIPPA Delegation of Authority Protocol
• Records Retention Policy

Forms

• Request to Access Information
• IPC Appeal Form
• IPC Privacy Complaint Form
• Informed Consent for Disclosure of Personal Information
• NOSM Records Destruction Form

Guidelines and Resources:

• IPC Disclosing of Electronic Media Fact Sheet
• IPC Disclosure to Law Enforcement Privacy Fact Sheet
• IPC Fees, Fee Estimates and Fee Waivers
• IPC Health Privacy Breach Guidelines
• IPC Health Privacy Breach Reporting Guidelines
• IPC Third Party Information Exemption Fact Sheet

Contact:

Grace Vita
Director of Planning and Risk
Phone: 807-766-7396
Fax: 807-766-7371
Email: grace.vita@nosm.ca