Alberta's government is advancing legislation to allow greater access to private medical testing. Bill 29, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, introduced by Primary Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, could permit faster access to services like CT scans and blood tests without a physician's referral.
LaGrange stated the move is intended to "add capacity, not replace our public system," addressing long wait times for diagnostic testing. The plan, first announced in October, aims to expand privately delivered medical tests.
Details on specific tests and cost reimbursement will be clarified in upcoming regulations. Premier Danielle Smith previously indicated that Albertans would be able to purchase a range of private diagnostic services, including MRIs and full body scans.
While the province plans to spur investment and attract health professionals, critics express concern about the potential for a two-tiered health system and siphoning staff from public hospitals.
LaGrange emphasized that medically necessary tests ordered by physicians will remain publicly funded and prioritized. Current publicly funded preventive testing typically requires referrals, though some private clinics already offer services with referrals, and self-referral screening programs exist for services like mammograms.