Health News
Albertans urged to comment on new health regulation

Albertans can view the draft documents and provide their comments online
until March 3, the government said. Albertans’ input is important as
the Health Charter and Health Advocate regulation are being finalized.

"With
the Alberta Health Act now in force and an interim Health Advocate in
place, we are now gathering Albertans’ comments on the draft Health
Charter and proposed Health Advocate regulations. I encourage Albertans
to participate as this is an important next step in getting the Office
of the Health Advocates operational this spring," Fred Horne, Minister
of Health, said.

The Alberta Health Act came into force on Jan.
1. It sets out clear principles to guide decision-making in the health
system and reinforces the government’s commitment to the principles of
the Canada Health Act. The Alberta Health Act also establishes a Health
Advocate and a Health Charter.

The draft Health Charter outlines
what Albertans can expect from the health system and their personal
responsibilities when interacting with the system. The proposed
regulation includes duties and authorities of the Health Advocate,
requirements for complaint reviews, and rules for how reviews can be
conducted.

"We want to hear Albertans’ comments about the Health
Charter and the role of the Health Advocate. Their views are important
as we lay a foundation that will guide what Albertans can expect from
the health system," said Mary Marshall, Alberta’s interim Health
Advocate.    

This comment period is a second opportunity for
Albertans to directly engage on the Health Charter since the creation of
Alberta’s Health Act in 2010, when an extensive four-month consultation
took place. Over 1,300 people participated in the in-person workshops,
nearly 1,500 provided their inputs online and there were over 85 written
submissions from stakeholder groups.

The comment process will
help government launch the Office of the Health Advocates this spring
and help finalize the Health Charter.