As Alberta has loosened restrictions on doctors practicing in both the public and private sectors, a new report suggests the concept doesn’t violate the Canada Health Act.
The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) said Monday Alberta has already begun the process of dual-practice health care, also known as mixed practice.
“Mixed practice has not developed everywhere that it is permitted, for a number of reasons, but it is important to remember that there are already four provinces that authorize it,” said Renaud Brossard, vice-president of communications at the MEI in a news release.
“Indeed, it is not so much the Canada Health Act that obstructs its development and deployment, but rather a series of provincial laws and administrative practices.”
Talk of mixed practice is also alive in Quebec, which is in the middle of an election. MEI says some of the main political parties there “were considering” the idea.
- If both provinces sign on, they would join Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador in removing the prohibition.
- Alberta’s Bill 11 took effect on Sept. 1 and critics of the legislation suggest it could contravene the federal law by giving individuals who can pay for services faster access to care.
- That’s what undermines the principles of the Act, opponents say.
- Some retired doctors say the policy would also give doctors more incentive to take on private procedures, where they can potentially earn substantially more.
- Instead, critics say Alberta needs to put more funding into increasing the capacity of the public system.
- It’s estimated that roughly one-third of operating rooms in Alberta are sitting unused because of staffing and funding limitations.
