The GOA has introduced legislation that will lay the groundwork for the transition to a four-pillar health care system
In November 2023, the Premier of Alberta and the Minister of Health announced a significant restructuring of the current healthcare system in Alberta. These changes will focus on four priority provincial sectors: primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction, with the goal of ensuring that all Albertans receive the best care within a single, fully integrated, high-functioning system. As such, the Government of Alberta has introduced Bill 22: Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, which will replace Alberta Health Services with new provincial health agencies focused on the four priority provincial sectors. The bill also increases the powers of the Minister of Health to oversee the system.
The RMA is currently conducting an analysis of Bill 22 to better understand if and how changes will impact recruitment and retention of health professionals, local input into healthcare delivery, proper utilization of rural hospitals and health facilities, and other questions. The RMA will share additional information on Bill 22 as it becomes available. For the RMA’s initial questions related to the restructuring, view this January 2024 backgrounder.
Kallie Wischoff
Policy Advisor
855.319.2245
kallie@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com