Terms of Service

Given making a donation, accessing services, or interacting with Valued Connections Healthcare in any way, I understand and agree to the following Terms of Service and policies.

Termination of Service

I understand that Valued Connections Healthcare reserves the right to cancel or terminate services at any time for any reason. I understand that I may be responsible for the costs of service, along with any bill credits—regardless of whether they were used—upon termination. I also understand that should I enter Long Term Care funded by the Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care I am no longer eligible for funded services.

Hold Harmless, Indemnify, and Waive all Claims

I understand that interacting with Valued Connections Healthcare regarding any matter, program, or service for any reason at any time involves a certain degree of risk that could result in injury, death, or loss or damage to person or property. I acknowledge that Valued Connections Healthcare is a not-for-profit organization, and after carefully considering the risk involved, I voluntarily release, hold harmless, and waive all claims associated with this activity which I may have against Valued Connections Healthcare, its employees, officers, directors, agents, volunteers, and members. This waiver is given voluntarily and with full knowledge of its effect. I also understand that this waiver may not affect any rights I have under applicable laws that cannot be waived.

Fee for Service Programs and Interest

I understand that if I purchase services through the fee-for-service program or am found to have misused, abused, or wasted fee-for-service or funded services, I am responsible for the retail cost of those services, regardless of my opinions about the quality or delivery of those services.

Should services be terminated or withdrawn, I remain responsible for all charges, plus a **10% per calendar day interest** from the date of billing until full payment is received. I understand that this interest rate, while high, reflects Valued Connections Healthcare's reliance on timely payment to continue providing critical services to other clients.

If I engage in custom-quoted services, I understand that I am responsible for the full quoted cost, even if I do not use the entire service package.

Privacy Policy

By agreeing to these Terms of Service, I also agree to the Valued Connections Healthcare (VCH) Privacy Policy available on this website. I acknowledge that my personal data is stored using the Halaxy EMR System and that Valued Connections Healthcare complies with Canadian law regarding data storage. While VCH endeavors to retain data within Canada wherever possible, I understand that my data may be transferred to Australia for storage on the Halaxy server.

All data, whether stored in Canada or transferred to Australia, is fully encrypted, and only authorized individuals within Canada can access, view, or read it. VCH ensures that personal data can only be decrypted and accessed within Canada, in accordance with Canadian privacy regulations.

I understand that my information may be used for fundraising, marketing, legal, and collections purposes, or any other purpose deemed necessary by VCH management. I have been made aware that I can contact VCH if I wish to limit the use of my personal information.

Customer Conduct

I agree to behave in a respectful, safe, and courteous manner at all times. Harassment, abuse, or threats toward any VCH staff member are prohibited and may result in immediate termination of service.

Implied Agreement with Terms of Service, Policies, and Procedures

By interacting with Valued Connections Healthcare's programs, services, website, volunteers, staff, or organization in any capacity, I agree to these Terms of Service and VCH's policies and procedures. If I do not agree with the Terms of Service, I understand that I am prohibited from interacting with VCH in any way.

These Terms of Service apply to all interactions with VCH, including those made in person, virtually, via telephone, email, or website.

Legal Claims

I waive the right to pursue legal claims against Valued Connections Healthcare. Instead, I agree that all questions, comments, concerns, or appeals must be addressed through Valued Connections Healthcare’s Stakeholder Experience Office. I also agree not to disparage VCH publicly. Should I violate this clause, I understand that I may be subject to financial penalties or legal actions.

Policy Agreement

By interacting with Valued Connections Healthcare in any way, I agree to the Terms of Service, bylaws, and all policies and procedures (both written and verbal), including but not limited to the privacy policy and eligibility guidelines. If I do not agree, I understand that I am prohibited from engaging with VCH.

Fair Use + Charge Backs

I understand that I am responsible for providing accurate, truthful, and up-to-date information to Valued Connections Healthcare, including full health records when requested. Failure to do so may result in termination of service. If terminated due to a breach of the Terms of Service, I remain liable for the full retail cost of all programs and services, plus interest (10% daily) from the date of termination.

Not a Substitute

Valued Connections Healthcare's services are not a substitute for primary care or follow-up care. The services provided, except those delivered by a Nurse Practitioner, do not constitute medical advice. I understand that Valued Connections Healthcare does not accept liability for the accuracy of information provided through its website or otherwise.

Dispute Resolution

In the event of any disputes arising from these Terms of Service or any related matters, I agree to first attempt resolution through informal discussions with Valued Connections Healthcare. If informal resolution is unsuccessful, I agree to submit the dispute to mediation or arbitration before pursuing legal action.

Force Majeure

Valued Connections Healthcare is not liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond its control, such as natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, or other unforeseeable events. These events will excuse performance under the Terms of Service for the duration of the disruption.

Fundraising

I understand that my contact information and anonymized data may be used for revenue development, marketing, and fundraising purposes. If I do not wish to be contacted, I can request to be placed on a "do not call" list. I also acknowledge that Valued Connections Healthcare does not guarantee any tax benefits or returns on donations.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario. Any legal proceedings arising from these terms will be resolved within the jurisdiction of Ontario courts.

Care Location

For legal purposes, all clients of Valued Connections Healthcare are considered to be receiving care in Canada. Care is delivered by Canadian staff and in accordance with Canadian laws. Patients located outside Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario are considered to be receiving care in Ontario.

HIPAA Compliance (For US Clients)

Valued Connections Healthcare complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for all clients based in the United States. This includes ensuring the confidentiality, security, and integrity of Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA regulations. We have implemented policies and procedures to comply with HIPAA's requirements for handling personal health information.

Data Storage and Transfer (For US Clients)

Valued Connections Healthcare may store and process your data outside the USA, including in Canada. We ensure that data is encrypted and handled according to both Canadian and US privacy standards, including HIPAA, to protect your personal health information.

In the event of a data breach affecting your PHI, we will notify you promptly in accordance with HIPAA's breach notification rules.

By using our services, you consent to the transfer, storage, and processing of your personal health information outside the USA, including in Canada, in accordance with HIPAA and Canadian privacy laws.

Alberta (HIA), British Columbia (PIPA), and Ontario (PHIPA) Compliance (For Canadian Clients)

Valued Connections Healthcare complies with the Health Information Act (HIA) in Alberta, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) in British Columbia, and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in Ontario. We ensure that personal data is managed in compliance with all relevant provincial and federal privacy regulations.

For clients located outside Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, services are considered to be provided in Ontario.

Donations & Sponsorships ONLY

In view of me or my corporation making a donation, partnering or sponsoring Valued Connections Healthcare Corporation. I understand that Valued Connections Healthcare Corporation is a Not for Profit Corporation and not a Registered Charity. I understand that I am sponsoring Valued Connections Healthcare Corporation out of the goodness of my heart, unless otherwise specified auto-renews monthly for 24 months. I also understand that I do expect any guarantee of returns, revenue, market reach, customers etc from Valued Connections Healthcare Corporation. I understand in the event I enact the termination clause of a contract I am still responsible for paying the full cost of the contract and " buy out " the contract.

The Terms of Service supersede any previous versions, verbal or written agreements If you do not agree with the terms of service you are not allowed to access, interact with or contact Valued Connections Healthcare.