Health Minister Adriana Lagrange introduced Bill 22 on May 14, which would transition from Alberta Health Services as a regional health authority to an integrated system of provincial health agencies based on four sectors.
If Bill 22, the Health Law Amendment Act, is passed, AHS will become the new acute care sector authority, working alongside primary care, continuing care, mental health and addictions care.
While the program is being rolled out, Mr. Lagrange will serve as Supervising Minister and Departmental Minister for Acute, Primary Care and Continuing Care, while Minister of Mental Health Dan Williams will serve as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
AHS staff will be reorganized into four specific departments, working within clearer parameters and with more government oversight. The government said there will be no job losses for staff transitioning to the new organization.
“This will further empower frontline workers and community partners to drive change at the local level,” Lagrange said at a May 14 media conference.
“Strengthening government oversight will ensure resources are directed to where they are needed most, including on the front lines, improving patient care and supporting health professionals.”
This more complex role will leave Lagrange responsible for setting the agency's strategic direction, according to Alberta Health Communications. He also implements and evaluates relevant health policies, implements plans, sets goals, and establishes advisory committees as needed.
The mental health and addictions agency, Recovery Alberta, is expected to launch this summer, with three other health authorities expected to follow in the fall of 2024.
According to a joint press conference by Ministers Lagrange and Williams, each government agency has a specific focus. Primary care organizations continue to work to ensure all Albertans have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and acute care continues to work to reduce wait times and strengthen access to care, especially in rural areas. care focuses on equitable access and expansion of services. Continuing care options.
LaGrange said at a press conference that the bill would bring significant improvements to transparency and accountability within the health care system.
The bill includes amendments to the Regional Health Authority Act to allow for the creation of four new agencies and amendments to the Health Information Act for information security during the transition period.
According to Lagrange, this was necessary to address the “fragmented” and “disjointed” nature of the current model.
Approximately 10,000 front-line staff will be transferred to Recovery Alberta, Minister Williams said at a news conference.
“We will be leaving the country to focus on recovery,” Williams said. “We also support prevention interventions focused on Alberta’s recovery model.”
The proposed amendments would also give government agencies responsibility for operational planning and oversight of clinics to set priorities.
“Through the Health Care Act, we are poised to usher in an era of efficiency, accessibility, and patient-centered care,” LaGrange said.
AHS will continue to serve as the health authority on an interim basis until this fall.
Mia Parker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Shooting the Breeze
