AFHTO’s recommendations re Bill 41, Patients First

Moving care coordinators from CCACs to LHINs does not remove barriers, it just moves them from one bureaucracy to another. If primary care providers were supported to coordinate care, it would make a significant difference for the health of patients and their experience of care.”

With this and other comments, AFHTO presented to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Bill 41-Patients First Act, 2016 on Nov. 21. Grounded in evidence regarding drivers of quality and value in the health system – namely, a strong foundation of primary care- it summarized what’s most valuable in Bill 41 and further steps needed to avoid unintended consequences.

Key Recommendations:

  • To wrap care around patients, ensure that care coordinators will be embedded in primary care (Keep LHINs free from conflict of interest).
    • Require LHINs to develop plans to transition functions and staff from CCACs to the most appropriate health service providers within an appropriate length of time.
    • Following this, LHINs would be forbidden from being involved in direct service delivery.
  • To serve the public interest, ensure strategy, leadership, stewardship and a curb on bureaucracy and unilateral action
    • More specific guidance and direction is needed as to what “public interest” means.
    • Appropriate checks and balances on the use of the powers to issue directives, initiate investigations and appoint supervisors, must also be ensured.
  • Ensure the transition of FHTs and NPLCs from Ministry to LHINs is done in an environment of respect and trust.
    • Take steps to ensure that LHINs have sufficient understanding and capacity to take on expanded powers with primary care, before those powers are transferred.
    • Allow time for government to delay introduction of primary care organizations as “health service providers” so it can build a better relationship with physicians.

Dec. 8, 2016 Yesterday government passed Bill 41: the Patients First Act, 2016. This Act is anticipated to receive Royal Assent before the House rises on Friday for the winter break and then be implemented shortly thereafter. Our advocacy continues to be driven by AFHTO’s recommendations on Bill 41, presented on behalf of members to the Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly. Relevant Links: