As physicians, we take the privilege of practicing medicine and our responsibility to our patients seriously. We also understand our ethical responsibility to speak up if situations arise that endanger quality care or access for our patients. albertadoctors.org/services/media… /1
We are not only stewards of #healthcare, but function as part of an early warning system to protect the public. This is our social contract. It exists with our patients, both individually and collectively. /2
The Canada Health Act clearly states provinces are required to support a health care system that meets principles of accessibility, comprehensiveness, universality & portability. It must provide reasonable compensation for insured health services rendered by med. practitioners./3
Under the Act, when extra billing is not allowed, reasonable compensation is defined by a negotiated agreement with the medical practitioners. The agreement is to provide for negotiations relating to compensation for insured health services between province the AMA. /4 #abpoli
There is also a requirement for settlement of disputes relating to compensation, which is at the discretion of the provincial organization: conciliation or binding arbitration that has an independent chair. /5
As Canada Day approaches where do we stand?
Physicians do not have the right to strike; they cannot set a market price for their services. While most of us operate as businesses, we are supported primarily by prices determined by @yourAlberta. /6
Physicians do not have the right to strike; they cannot set a market price for their services. While most of us operate as businesses, we are supported primarily by prices determined by @yourAlberta. /6
Currently in #Alberta, we are without a negotiated contract, without a dispute resolution mechanism or access to binding arbitration. Physicians’ rights have been violated. This is the basis of our current law suit, which is a constitutional challenge. /7 albertadoctors.org/services/media…
But, we still have freedom of speech.
We have situations developing in health care that threaten access to patient care, quality of care and the sustainability of the system. Physicians, as part of our social contract, have a responsibility to speak out to protect the public. /8
We have situations developing in health care that threaten access to patient care, quality of care and the sustainability of the system. Physicians, as part of our social contract, have a responsibility to speak out to protect the public. /8
Learn more: albertadoctors.org/services/media…
