The True Post (Web News) The Government of Alberta has introduced a new legislative package aimed at reforming the province’s healthcare system, strengthening patient rights and improving accountability across publicly funded medical facilities.
Bill 39, officially titled the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 (No. 2), proposes changes covering the prevention of patient abuse in publicly funded care facilities, treatment for people experiencing severe substance-use disorders, coordination of mental health services and regulations governing publicly funded laboratory services.
Alberta’s Minister of Primary and Preventive Health Services, Justin Wright, said residents who depend on others for care because of illness or vulnerability deserve to be treated safely and with dignity. He said the proposed amendments would strengthen patient protection, improve institutional accountability and help restore families’ confidence in the healthcare system.
Stronger Investigations and Accountability in Cases of Patient Abuse
Under Bill 39, amendments are proposed to the Protection for Persons in Care Act to clarify which organizations providing publicly funded healthcare and support services fall under the legislation.
The proposed changes would improve procedures for investigating complaints of patient abuse, handling appeals, ensuring legal compliance and taking appropriate action.
The government says existing patient protections and appeal rights will remain in place, while the amendments are intended to make safeguards for people receiving care in medical facilities more effective.
New Treatment Framework for People with Severe Substance-Use Disorders
A major part of the legislative package focuses on treatment for individuals experiencing severe substance-use and addiction problems.
The Alberta government is introducing a specialized medical intervention framework under the Compassionate Intervention Act for individuals whose substance-use disorders have placed themselves or others at risk.
Under the proposed system, family members, legal guardians, healthcare professionals, police officers and peace officers would be able to apply for an assessment order for someone believed to require urgent medical intervention because of severe addiction.
The government says this process would be used only as a last resort.
The proposed amendments would streamline applications and hearings, improve timely access to relevant information, provide healthcare professionals with greater flexibility in treatment decisions and clarify oversight procedures.
Existing safeguards and legal protections would remain in place. The new system is expected to be implemented in spring 2027.
Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Rick Wilson, said the government is working to provide people facing severe addiction challenges with safe, coordinated and consistent medical care to support their recovery.
Changes to Mental Health Treatment and Hospital Coordination
Bill 39 also proposes amendments to the Mental Health Act to improve coordination among different healthcare services within approved hospitals.
According to the government, the changes would help ensure that patients experiencing mental health challenges receive treatment according to their needs, while preserving their existing legal rights and protections.
Public Funding for Essential Medical Laboratory Tests to Continue
The legislative package also includes proposed changes to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act to clarify the rules governing publicly funded laboratory services.
Under the proposed amendments, medically insured services and medically necessary laboratory tests requested by physicians would continue to be publicly funded.
Private clinics, however, would be required to cover the costs of laboratory services that are not included under the provincial public health insurance system.
The government says the changes are intended to maintain residents’ access to essential medical testing without charge while clarifying the financial responsibilities of private medical facilities.
Greater Oversight of Self-Insurance for Private Medical Treatment
The Alberta government is also proposing new rules for residents who choose to pay for elective medical procedures outside the public healthcare system through self-insurance arrangements.
Under the proposed framework, physicians and insurance providers would be required to maintain records and provide relevant information to the government.
Minister of Hospitals and Surgical Health Services Adriana LaGrange said the changes would establish clearer rules and stronger oversight for self-insurance arrangements involving private medical treatment.
She emphasized that residents would not be required to purchase self-insurance and that their existing access to publicly funded healthcare services would remain unchanged.
Updates to Public Health Legislation
Bill 39 also proposes updates to the Public Health Act and the repeal of certain outdated legislative provisions.
These changes are intended to facilitate the transfer of public health inspectors from Alberta Health Services to Primary Care Alberta.
The government says the overall legislative package is designed to modernize Alberta’s healthcare system, improve oversight of medical services, strengthen patient safety and clarify the responsibilities of healthcare institutions across the province.
