He expected the consultations to be completed in mid-August and the government would assess the input and finalize the regulations. The government's aim is to finalize the regulations in time for Bill 11 to be proclaimed law before the end of September. On this date the existing contracts with Alberta's private surgical facilities are due for renewal. The new contracts will be for a two-year term with the option to extend a further one year. Five of Alberta's 17 regional health authorities have contracts with surgical facilities.
Ophthalmology is big business in Alberta.
Under the new regulations, in order for the province's regional health authorities to renew existing contracts, they must now show that these contracts comply with the Canada Health Act. They must also have clear conflict of interest bylaws in place.