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The "voice of the AMA" – Published regularly throughout the year, the President's Letter informs you about Alberta Medical Association positions on key and complex issues in Alberta’s health care.
Read the November 22 President's Letter
As part of a cross-ministry effort by the provincial government, Alberta Health has invited the Alberta Medical Association to complete a survey on behalf of members. It relates to “legislative changes to safeguard freedom of expression for regulated professionals.”
Right now, the AMA is engaged in more advocacy than at any other time in our history. In the category of fact checking, we coordinated yesterday with section experts to respond to comments made by the premier in a news conference.
Here is AMA Fact Checkup – Issue 2. In this issue, we check and correct government on statements they have made.
Comments on the most recent President's Letter are enabled and welcome. You may also contact the AMA President by email at [email protected].
Below you will find previous issues of The President's Letter. For older issues no longer on the website, contact us.
Last Friday you will have received a copy of the AMA’s final response document for government’s Insured Services Consultation. The December 20, 2019 President’s Letter is on our website if you missed it. It contains our perspective on the consultation items.
On November 14, the Alberta government tabled several proposals, which they considered to be outside of negotiations, and gave the AMA until today (December 20) to formally respond. We received feedback from over 1500 physicians and I am writing today to provide members with the AMA’s response to the Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services Insured Services Consultation proposals.
I am writing today to provide a brief update of the work and activities that have taken place since the Special RF on December 7.
On December 9, the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) released its Final Report of the Crowfoot and Taber clinics case study evaluation.
The special meeting of the Representative Forum took place on Saturday, December 7 in Calgary. Delegates received a full update on the current negotiations with government for a new financial agreement. There was a presentation on the evolving AMA response to the 11 consultation proposal items that government has released and that were the subject of my November 29 President’s Letter. The RF also endorsed the Board of Directors’ proposed plan to respond to these challenges and ensure that government hears our concerns.
This is in regard to recent developments in our negotiations with government that are deeply concerning for the profession. I want to provide you with information regarding what government has proposed, what work the AMA is doing to review these proposals and how you can contribute. On November 14, government tabled several proposals which, in their view, were outside the negotiations. They asked the AMA to respond by November 20 as to how we would like to be consulted.
On November 7, a United Conservative Party MLA tabled a private members bill: Bill 207, Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act. I wanted you to know that I have written to Minister of Health Tyler Shandro to express the opinion that this legislation is unnecessary and inappropriate. You can review my letter here.
Our rural physician colleagues have recently been in the media with concerns related to reductions in on-call payments by Alberta Health Services. Our rural members, who are already stressed by a heavy burden of service, know that reducing on-call support will make it even more difficult to recruit and retain physicians to rural areas.
Government has tabled legislation: Bill 21 Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability Act. This omnibus bill amends a number of statutes. Having received it late Monday afternoon, we have been exploring its implications. There are important provisions relating to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act.
On November 3, Alberta Health Services will launch the first wave of Connect Care in the Edmonton Zone. Supported by a fully integrated clinical information system, Connect Care will consolidate the patient’s story, including goals, problems, plans, investigations, treatments and all prior AHS health records. Connect Care is the AHS record of care.