The Independent Health Facilities Act

Although Canada's federal heath care system provides universal coverage for medically necessary health care services, provincial and territorial governments are responsible for the management, organization and delivery of health services for their residents. The Independent Health Facilities Act (IHFA) is an ordinance legislated by the government of Ontario, Canada.

What the IHFA Does

• The Act, which went into effect in 1990 and was later amended in 1996, created a program to provide and regulate community health facilities in the province of Ontario. The IHFA, as amended in 1996, provides a funding and licensing mechanism for community-based health facilities deemed necessary by the Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC).

Licensing

• Under the IHFA, once the need has been identified for a new facility or service, a license may be awarded by the MOHLTC. An Independent Health Facility, or IHF, is defined by the Act as a health care facility which provides services to members of the public for a fee.

Funding

• Licensed facilities are funded by the MOHLTC for services provided to insured residents of Ontario, or by a funding arrangement in the case of ambulatory care facilities, whereas diagnostic facilities are paid on a standard "fee-for-service" based on a Schedule of Facility Fees.