Health care legislation passes

By Elle Remington

Ontario is leading the way with new legislation in health care.

The Strengthening Quality and Accountability for Patients Act, 2017 puts the care of patients and families first.

The intention is that the public will now receive better quality of care in all health matters.  Long-term care homes and pharmaceutical companies must now be held accountable and transparent to the public.

“Family Councils of Ontario (FCO) are very pleased to see the passage of Bill 160.  We support these new enforcement tools and will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other sector partners towards better care and safety for all residents living in long-term care homes.  We applaud these improvements to the Long-term care homes Act, as well as the transparency of the inspection process that FCO, families and residents have been working towards,” said Lorraine Purdon, Executive Director of Family Councils of Ontario.

Paramedics will have the ability to now make the best decision of the treatment and transfer of their patients for the situation that best meets the needs of the patient.

There will be financial penalties and new provincial offenses for long-term care homes that don’t pass Ontario’s quality and safety inspection.

Legislation includes regulation of all water facilities, barber shops and nail salons to meet public health standards.  Any health center that uses equipment with radiation, like x-rays, CT scanners, ultrasound machines and MRI’s must have a license to operate.

In 2017-18 Ontario’s health care budget had a 3.8 percent increase totaling $53.8 billion.

Visit http:/Ontario.ca/health if you are interested in more details.