Establishing the future of Alberta health care

Overview

Bill 22, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, would enable the government to take the necessary next steps to refocus the province’s health care system. The new act would ensure Albertans have a health system that prioritizes their need to:

• find a primary care provider
• get urgent care without long wait times
• have access to the best continuing care options and supports
• have access to comprehensive mental health and addiction services across the province

Key changes

If passed, the Health Statues Amendment Act, 2024, will:

• enable the transition from one regional health authority, Alberta Health Services, to an integrated system of 4 sector-based provincial health agencies, including:
  • primary care
  • acute care
  • continuing care
  • Recovery Alberta (mental health and addiction)
• ensure strong governance and accountability from the new provincial health agencies by enhancing the role of the Minister of Health
• enhance government oversight to direct resources more efficiently to the front lines, support health care professionals and improve overall patient care
• include amendments to the Regional Health Authorities Act, such as:
  • clarifying the Minister of Health’s authority and ability to oversee the strategic direction of the health system
  • clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the provincial health agencies (PHA)
  • enabling the transfer of staff from AHS to the new PHAs, while offering stability for the workforce, unions, and government as the health system refocus is implemented
  • removing outdated references to allow the transition to a unified, sector-specific provincial health system
  • changing the name of the Regional Health Authorities Act to the Provincial Health Agencies Act
• include amendments to consequential legislation and the Health Information Act to:
  • support the new health system refocus, and
  • help establish the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence

Next steps

If passed, the Health Statutes Amendment Act will enable Recovery Alberta, the Mental Health and Addiction provincial health agency, to begin operating this summer. The primary care, acute care, and continuing care provincial health agencies will be established in fall 2024.

Learn more about the health care refocusing.

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News

• Setting the foundation for a refocused health system (May 14, 2024)