Statement from HSAA on passing the Government of Alberta's Bill 29

HSAA President Mike Parker issued the following statement:

“The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) is concerned about Bill 29 and what self-referred diagnostic and lab screening changes could mean for both patients and Alberta’s already stretched health-care workforce.

“The legislation leaves significant unanswered questions about how these changes will be implemented and how they will impact wait times, access to care and health outcomes for Albertans. Diagnostic and lab testing requires skilled health professionals, such as Laboratory Technologists and Assistants, Sonographers, Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Technologists, many of whom are already operating short-staffed. HSAA is also concerned that legislation was passed without consultation with HSAA members who will be affected by this decision, leaving many unanswered questions about how this will be rolled out.

“HSAA shares the concerns raised by the Alberta Medical Association and other health advocates about workforce capacity. The government has promised expanded access to services, but it remains unclear where the health-care professionals needed to deliver that care will come from. Any changes that increase demand without adding staff risk stretching the public workforce further and increasing wait times for Albertans.

“HSAA continues to call for a comprehensive health workforce strategy developed in consultation with HSAA health-care professionals delivering these critical services to Albertans so that patients can continue to receive equitable, high-quality care based on need—not the ability to pay.”