The amendments introduced in the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 reflect the government’s commitment to build a health care system that responds to the changing needs of Albertans.
“It is so important that all youth can enter adulthood equipped to make adult decisions. In order to do that, we need to preserve their ability to make those decisions, and that’s what we’re doing. The changes we’re introducing are founded on compassion and science, both of which are vital for the development of youth throughout a time that can be difficult and confusing.”
“Our legislative priorities include implementing policy changes to continue our refocusing work, position our health care system to respond to pressures and public health emergencies, and to preserve choice for minors. These amendments reflect our dedication to ensuring our health care system meets the needs of every Albertan.”
Preserving choices for children and youth
Earlier this year, Alberta’s government announced policies to support minors who identify as transgender so they can make informed potentially life-altering decisions as adults. If passed, the legislation would amend the Health Professions Act so the government can begin implementing these policies. Minors who identify as transgender often grapple with complex feelings and emotions, and these policies would support them as they enter adulthood.
Proposed amendments would prohibit regulated health professionals from performing sex reassignment surgeries on minors. The amendments, together with anticipated regulation, would also ensure the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapies for the treatment of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence will not be permitted for children aged 15 and under, except for those who have already commenced treatment, and would allow for minors aged 16 and 17 to choose to commence puberty blockers and hormone therapies for gender reassignment and affirmation purposes with parental, physician and psychologist approval.
"As a physician, I recognize the importance of careful, well-considered approaches to gender-affirming care for minors. These policies provide essential guardrails to ensure that minors have the time, support and resources needed to make informed decisions as adults and align with the latest systematic reviews in the UK, Finland, Sweden and other leading jurisdictions. The proposed policies will help protect young individuals during a formative period in their lives, ensuring their choices align with their long-term well-being."
As health care professions are regulated by self-governing regulatory colleges under the Health Professions Act, the various colleges would be responsible for enforcing the prohibitions through their unprofessional conduct discipline processes.
Further, Alberta Health remains committed to developing a private registry of medical professionals who specialize in this field to make it easier for transgender Albertans to access needed medical treatment and care. This work does not require legislative amendments.
Responding to public health emergencies
In November 2023, the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel, which was tasked with reviewing the legislation that guided Alberta’s response to COVID-19, released its final report.
The panel’s report highlighted the need to protect the rights of Albertans while upholding the integrity of the Public Health Act. By introducing a preamble to the act and clarifying what constitutes a public health emergency, the proposed amendments would ensure the rights of Albertans are protected and that public health measures are only taken in situations deemed to be urgent and temporary in nature.
Refocusing the health care system
Under the proposed legislation, Alberta’s government will be amending the Provincial Health Agencies Act so that work to refocus the province’s health care system can continue.
These key changes would allow Alberta Health Services (AHS) to smoothly transition to an acute care service delivery provider under the provincial health agency responsible for acute care. This means AHS can focus on providing the best quality care to patients in hospitals and emergency rooms while giving front-line experts the supports they need to care for Albertans. Amendments would also enable provincial health agencies to establish a patient concerns resolution process to support the diverse needs of patients and improve care for all Albertans.
These changes would lay the groundwork for the new health agencies to begin operations, including establishing governance models, operational requirements and other minor revisions to enable a smooth transition into the refocused health care system.
Proposed amendments to the Health Information Act would designate the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services as a custodian to enable the ministry to access information to better support Albertans and to improve health service planning and delivery for seniors, given that the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services will be the sector minister for continuing care.
“Amending the Health Information Act will allow for better access to essential data, ensuring more effective planning and support for vulnerable Albertans. This change reflects our commitment to enhancing care, dignity and well-being for Alberta's seniors and those who need it most.”
Related information
- Health Statutes Amendment Act
- Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel final report
- Bill 26: Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
Related news
- Preserving choice for children and youth (Feb. 1, 2024)
- Refocusing patients’ health care journeys (Sept. 23, 2024)
- Setting the foundation for a refocused health system (May 14, 2024)
- Working together to provide better health care (March 21, 2024)
- Improving Alberta’s response to public health emergencies (Jan. 19, 2023)