Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has introduced proposed legislative changes aimed at improving protections for people receiving care, strengthening accountability in publicly funded facilities and ensuring greater transparency across the province’s health system.
Bill 39, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 (No. 2), proposes changes to several health-related laws, covering patient safety, addiction treatment, publicly funded laboratory services and oversight of self-insurance arrangements for elective procedures.
Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Justin Wright said the proposed measures are intended to ensure that Albertans in vulnerable situations receive care that respects their safety and dignity.
“When Albertans are at their most vulnerable, they should be able to count on safe, dignified care,” Wright said, adding that the changes would reinforce accountability and provide families with greater confidence in the protection of their loved ones.
Changes proposed to abuse investigations in care facilities
One of the key components of the bill involves amendments to the Protection for Persons in Care Act. The proposed changes would clarify which publicly funded care and support providers fall under the legislation.
They would also improve procedures for investigating allegations of abuse, handling appeals and enforcing compliance requirements. Existing protections and appeal rights would remain intact.
The government says the revisions are intended to ensure complaints are addressed more effectively and that people receiving care are treated with respect.
Compassionate intervention framework to be strengthened
Bill 39 also proposes changes to the Compassionate Intervention Act, which provides a last-resort mechanism for people experiencing severe addiction that puts themselves or others at risk.
Under the existing framework, family members, guardians, health professionals, police officers and peace officers can apply for an assessment order.
The proposed amendments would streamline application and hearing procedures, improve timely access to information, provide greater flexibility for clinical decisions and clarify oversight arrangements. The government says existing safeguards would remain in place.
Mental Health and Addiction Minister Rick Wilson said the changes would support the delivery of coordinated treatment for Albertans facing the most serious forms of addiction.
The compassionate intervention framework is expected to be implemented in spring 2027.
Proposed changes to the Mental Health Act would also improve coordination between health service sectors within approved hospitals, while maintaining patient rights and safeguards.
Publicly funded laboratory access to remain protected
The legislation also addresses the funding of community laboratory services. Proposed amendments to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act would maintain free access to publicly funded laboratory services for insured care and physician-referred services.
However, private clinics would be responsible for laboratory expenses associated with services that are not insured under the public health system.
The government says the measure is intended to preserve access to medically necessary testing without transferring the cost of uninsured services to the public system.
New oversight rules for self-insurance arrangements
Another part of the proposed legislation would give the government additional regulatory authority over self-insurance arrangements used by Albertans choosing elective treatment outside the publicly funded system.
The amendments would establish record-keeping and reporting obligations for participating physicians and insurers.
Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said the proposed rules would provide clearer requirements for people choosing such arrangements while protecting the public health-care system.
She emphasised that access to publicly funded health services would remain unchanged and that no Albertan would be required to purchase self-insurance.
Public health legislation also set for updates
Bill 39 includes further amendments to the Public Health Act, along with the repeal of outdated provisions connected to the planned transfer of public health inspectors from Alberta Health Services to Primary Care Alberta.
Through the proposed legislation, the province aims to reinforce safeguards for vulnerable patients, improve addiction-related treatment coordination and clarify responsibilities across different parts of the health system.
The measures are proposed amendments and would take effect subject to the legislative process and applicable implementation timelines.
