Negotiation update
In January 2022, government returned to formal discussions with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) through an interest-based facilitation process. As discussions with the AMA continue on a future agreement, government will continue to work with physicians and the AMA to address common issues and health system challenges.
The parties have issued a joint statement indicating a commitment to rebuild their relationship and work together to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic response, physician compensation, and virtual care.
Physicians are paid according to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and that continues uninterrupted. Albertans will continue to be cared for by dedicated physicians who are committed to quality health care in Alberta.
Update on physician negotiations (January 20, 2022)
Overview
Alberta will maintain its current level of spending on physicians while accounting for population growth and special initiatives, such as the Alberta Surgical Initiative. Alberta physicians will remain among the highest paid in Canada.
The physician funding framework was introduced March 31, 2020. It's a multi-year process that will require consultation with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) at all stages. It will include:
- implementing changes proposed during 2020 negotiations to prevent cost overruns
- aligning benefit programs and administrative fees with those of comparable provinces
- improving services for patients
Physician costs
Physician services account for 10% of total government spending. Alberta spends nearly 25% of health care dollars on funding physician services.
Physician funding framework initiatives
The physician funding framework will address growing costs so government can address important frontline health care priorities like improving mental health and addiction services and expanding the number of continuing care beds.
These initiatives were designed to enable Albertans to realize better health outcomes and build a stronger and more sustainable health system, while managing physicians spending growth.
Benefit program changes
Continuing Medical Education Program
This program reimburses eligible physicians for costs incurred for the maintenance and enhancement of knowledge, skills and competency. Effective March 31, 2020, this program was eliminated. The Alberta government is in the process of re-establishing the program. Further details regarding the new program will be provided soon.
Medical Liability Reimbursement Program
This program reimburses eligible physicians for costs incurred for medical liability insurance premiums set by the Canadian Medical Protection Association.
On April 24, 2020, the government announced the Medical Liability Reimbursement Program deductible for all rural physicians, as well as all family medicine practitioners in Alberta, would remain at current rates. Alberta Health also assumed responsibility for administering the program from the Alberta Medical Association.
View: Health Professional Bulletin Med 227
Business Costs Program
The Government of Alberta will not be proceeding with changes to this program at this time.
Rural Remote Northern Program (RRNP)
On April 24, 2020, the government announced the $60,000 cap that eligible rural physicians can claim through the RRNP will be removed. With the change, Alberta will now have one of the best incentive programs for rural physicians in Canada.
View: RRNP Community Rate Table
Other compensation options
The Fee-For-Service model isn’t right for everyone. Optional Clinical Alternative Relationship Plans (ARP) enable physicians to spend more time with patients and address complex needs, without worrying about their compensation being tied to delivering specific services.
A dedicated phone number and email has been set up to make it easier to inquire about Clinical ARPs
- Phone: 780-643-1436
- Email: [email protected]
Timeline
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September 2019
- Government provided notice to the AMA that it intended to begin negotiations on the AMA Agreement. The notification provided time for the AMA to prepare its proposals.
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November 2019
- Negotiations began with the AMA to reach a new agreement and government began consultations on 11 proposed changes primarily related to the schedule of medical benefits (SOMB, or “insured services”).
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January 2020
- Negotiations and consultations proceeded with no agreement reached.
- Mediation, on both the negotiation and consultation proposals, began January 31 and continued into February.
- The parties were not able to reach an agreement during mediation.
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February 2020
- Government announced it will implement its final offer from the negotiating table, including the 11 consultation proposals, and some changes to benefit programs.
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March 31, 2020
- The new Physician Funding Framework came into effect March 31, 2020.
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April 24, 2020
- Supports for rural physicians announced.
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July 9, 2020
- Government files Statement of Defence (PDF, 274 KB)
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September 16, 2020
- The Physician Payment Disclosure policy and exemption process was released.
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February 26, 2021
- Tentative agreement reached.
- AMA takes steps toward ratification.
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March 30, 2021
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July 2, 2021
- Government announces progress on a range of collaborative initiatives with the Alberta Medical Association. Government and the AMA continue to work together to assess opportunities for reaching an agreement.
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January 20, 2022
News
- Update on physician negotiations (January 20, 2022)
- Doctor's agreement: Minister Tyler Shandro (March 30, 2021)
- Tentative agreement statement (Feb. 26, 2021)
- Government files defence (July 9, 2020)
- Protecting access to rural health care (April 24, 2020)
- New physician funding framework announced (February 20, 2020)
- Physician negotiations: Statement from Minister Shandro (Feb. 14, 2020)
- Mediator appointed for AMA negotiations: Joint statement (Jan. 31, 2020)
- Alberta Health Services Review: Minister Shandro (Aug. 8, 2019)
- Contractor selected to conduct AHS review (July 18, 2019)
- AHS Review to find savings, improve performance (May 30, 2019)
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