Bill 39, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 (No. 2), would put the safety, dignity, and well-being of Albertans receiving care first by strengthening protections and accountability in publicly funded care settings. The proposed amendments would also protect access to publicly insured laboratory services, modernize health legislation and support stability and transparency across Alberta’s health system.
“When Albertans are at their most vulnerable, they should be able to count on safe, dignified care. These proposed changes would strengthen protections, reinforce accountability and give families greater confidence that their loved ones are protected.”
Strengthening protections for Albertans in care
Proposed amendments to the Protection for Persons in Care Act would clarify which publicly funded care and support providers are covered under the act and improve processes for investigating reports of abuse, appeals, compliance and enforcement. These changes would help ensure concerns about abuse are properly investigated and addressed, giving Albertans and their families greater confidence that those receiving care are treated with dignity and respect. Existing protections and appeal rights would remain in place.
Enhancing care for vulnerable Albertans
Compassionate intervention is a made-in-Alberta approach to help those with the most severe forms of addiction receive the care they need. Under the Compassionate Intervention Act, family members, guardians, health care professionals, police or peace officers can request an assessment order as a measure of last resort for someone whose addiction has made them a danger to themselves or others. Proposed amendments to the act would strengthen application and hearing processes, support timely access to information, provide greater clinical flexibility and clarify oversight, while ensuring existing safeguards remain in place. These changes would help ensure compassionate intervention can be delivered safely, effectively and consistently, once implemented in spring 2027.
Proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act would strengthen coordination between health service sectors within approved hospitals, helping ensure patients receive the care they need while upholding patient rights and safeguards.
“We are strengthening care for Albertans struggling with severe addiction or substance use. These changes help us deliver on our promise to implement compassionate intervention, so that Albertans with the most severe addiction can receive safe, coordinated, and consistent treatment that helps them move toward recovery.”
Clarifying public funding for laboratory services
Alberta’s government remains firmly committed to a strong, publicly funded health care system that puts patients first, provides greater choice and ensures medically necessary laboratory services remain publicly funded. Proposed amendments to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act (AHCIA) would maintain no-cost access to publicly funded community-based laboratory services for insured care and physician-referred care, while ensuring private clinics are responsible for paying laboratory costs associated with uninsured services.
Establishing requirements for self-insurance plans
Additional amendments to the AHCIA would provide government with the regulatory tools needed to oversee self-insurance arrangements for those who choose to pursue elective care outside the public system. This includes establishing record-keeping and reporting requirements for participating physicians and insurers. Albertans would continue to have the same access to publicly funded health care, and no Albertan would be required to carry self insurance.
“These changes put clear rules and strong safeguards in place for Albertans who choose to pay for elective care through self-insurance arrangements. They also strengthen oversight to protect our public health care system, while ensuring Albertans' access to publicly funded care remains unchanged.”
Additional proposed amendments would update the Public Health Act and repeal outdated amendments to support transferring public health inspectors from Alberta Health Services to Primary Care Alberta.