Access to information

We seek to provide lawful access to information in the custody or control of Eastern Health while protecting the confidentiality and privacy of personal information.

Eastern Health, like other public bodies in Newfoundland and Labrador, is subject to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015.

This legislation is designed to create a culture of openness and accountability in the public sector while protecting the personal information of citizens and the commercially sensitive information of businesses.

It applies to all public bodies (defined in the ATIPP Act), including government departments, agencies, health boards, school boards and municipalities. The ATIPP Act does not apply to the private sector.

The purpose of the ATIPP Act is

• to provide the public with the right of access to records; and
• to protect the privacy of individuals whose personal information is collected, used and disclosed by public bodies.

The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA) does not replace existing means of obtaining information from Eastern Health. It does, however, provide a right, with limited exceptions, to information that is in the custody or control of Eastern Health.

Whether you choose to make your request informally by contacting the program area holding the information or formally through ATIPPA by submitting a written access request, it is recommended that you first make contact with program staff at Eastern Health who can answer your questions and help to determine whether the information you are requesting is available and the best way to request access. To find the contact information, check Eastern Health’s phone directory.

How can I make an ATIPPA request for general or personal non-medical information?

To make a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA), please submit Form 1 – Access to Information Request Form (PDF) via email to atipp@nlhealthservices.ca or via mail to:

Regional Access Officer
ATIPP Coordinator
Privacy, Planning and Performance Department
760 Topsail Road
Mount Pearl, NL  A1N 3J5

How do I get a copy of health records and medical information?

ATIPPA does not apply to requests for health records. To request a copy of health records/information, email releaseofinformation@easternhealth.ca or mail:

Privacy, Planning, and Performance Department
760 Topsail Road, Mount Pearl Square
Mount Pearl, NL  A1N 3J5

How long will it take to process my request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act?

The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 requires that we respond to your request without delay in writing within 20 business days after receiving it, unless:

• the time for responding is extended with approval from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner under section 23 of the Act; or
• the time for responding is suspended for 20 business days under subsection 26 of the Act, pending your response to a cost estimate.

Is there a cost for processing my request?

In accordance with sections 25 & 26 of the ATIPP Act and the Establishment of Costs for the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, where an estimate of costs has been provided, you may be required to pay 50% of the cost prior to the commencement of services, with the remainder to be paid upon completion.

What methods of payment are accepted?

Major credit cards and personal cheques are accepted as methods of payment.

How do you appeal the decision regarding my ATIPPA request?

If you are not satisfied with the response received in response to your request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015, you have a right to appeal the decision. To do so, you can ask the Information and Privacy Commissioner to review the decision or appeal directly to the Supreme Court Trial Division.

Request to the Information and Privacy Commissioner:

As per section 42 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015, a request to the Commissioner must be made in writing within 15 business days of the date of the decision or within a longer period that may be allowed by the Commissioner. Your appeal should identify your concerns with the response by Eastern Health and the reason for submitting your appeal.

The appeal may be addressed to the Information and Privacy Commissioner as follows:

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
2 Canada Drive
P. O. Box 13004, Stn. A
St. John’s, NL. A1B 3V8
Telephone: 709-729-6309
Toll-Free: 1-877-729-6309
Facsimile: 709-729-6500

Appeal to the Supreme Court Trial Division:

You may also appeal directly to the Supreme Court Trial Division within 15 business days after you receive the decision of the public body, pursuant to section 52 of the Access to Information and the Protection of Privacy Act, 2015.

Who can I contact for additional information?

Questions or requests for additional information, please contact:

Regional Access Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Privacy, Planning and Performance Department
760 Topsail Road
Mount Pearl, NL A1N 3J5
Telephone: 709-777-8025 Extension 3
Email: atipp@nlhealthservices.ca