As a hospital public servant, my commitment lies in comprehending government legislation and healthcare regulations that govern publicly funded healthcare facilities. Similar to the scripted Acts in a Shakespearean play, the following legislative Acts direct our decision-making and mold our administrative responsibility for patient safety, care quality, financial stability, and the preservation of our hospital's reputation and ethical standards. Let’s explore the five parliamentary Acts that form the backdrop of a hospital’s performance.
Act I
The Public Hospitals Act (1990) is legislation that governs the operation and management of public hospitals within the Ontario. The Act outlines various aspects related to the establishment, operation, governance, and funding of public hospitals. The Act includes legislation related to safeguarding patient rights, including important aspects such as informed consent, confidentiality, access to medical records, and procedures for addressing patient complaints related to hospital care.
Act II
The Excellent Care for All Act (2010) is Ontario healthcare legislation designed to improve the quality, transparency and accountability of healthcare services in Ontario. The Act focuses on several key aspects of healthcare delivery, with a primary emphasis on patient-centered care and continuous quality improvement. The Act stipulated new mandatory requirements such as Quality Care Committees, annual staff and patient satisfaction surveys, and linking executive salary to achieving quality-improvement targets, which is a form of pay for performance. All of these requirements are incorporated into our Board of Directors and/or Hospital annual work plans.
Act III
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (1990) sets the standard requirements related to information disclosure, encompassing requests for access to medical records and other sensitive data. My knowledge of this Act ensures that we adhere to legal obligations while safeguarding patient information and promoting transparency.
Act IV
The Personal Health Information Protection Act (2004) legislation is fundamental in governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information, ensuring privacy and security in healthcare settings, including hospitals. My familiarity with this Act ensures that the hospital's practices align with stringent privacy and security standards.
Act V
In September Ontario passed the final components of Your Health Act (2023) placing into law three potential transformational impacts for hospitals. The Act established a framework for the regulation of surgery and diagnostic testing to be performed in new "for-profit" and "not-for-profit" community-based health services centers. Moreover, the Act introduced amendments that accepted pan-Canadian licensing, allowing regulated healthcare professionals to temporarily practice in Ontario. Finally, the Act extended the scope of practice for Ontario’s pharmacists, granting them the authority to assess and prescribe medication therapies under specified conditions. Collectively these changes hold the potential to rapidly shift traditionally hospital-based care to the other public sector providers and/or the private sector.
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