These plans and reports are made available to the public to ensure the health authorities are accountable to Albertans. Business plans state the health authorities' responsibilities and results to be achieved. They indicate how responsibilities will be carried out to achieve results, and how progress will be measured. Health authorities are responsible for carrying out their business plans and explaining any variation between planned and actual performance. This is done formally in the annual report at the end of each fiscal year.
Annual reports help health authorities develop their next business plan.
An annual report informs Albertans about both achievements and priorities for improvement that should be addressed in the next business plan. Developing business plans and reporting on the results achieved are key to continually improving health services. Provincially required public health targets are established for all health authorities. These shared goals link the strategies and operations of health authorities with the Ministry of Health's business plan, which sets strategic directions for the health system as a whole.