If passed, Bill 29, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 would enable self-referred preventative testing, improve timely access to addiction treatment medications and complete Alberta’s health system refocusing.
“This legislation puts patients first, supports providers and gives Albertans more choice in their care, helping ensure we have a strong, responsive health system as we move into this new era for health care in Alberta.”
Enhancing access to preventative health testing
If passed, Bill 29 will allow Albertans to access certain private preventative health tests without a referral later this year. Preventative health testing is essential for identifying medical conditions at an early stage, when interventions are simpler, less costly and more effective. This change will make it easier for Albertans to take proactive steps in managing their health while helping reduce pressure on the public system.
Details on how self-referred testing will work, including eligible tests and any reimbursement, will be outlined in future regulations.
Improving timely access to critical medications
If passed, Bill 29 will allow authorized prescribers to keep a limited supply of certain prescription medications used in addiction treatment for urgent situations.
In many rural, remote and Indigenous communities, long travel distances to pharmacies can delay treatment when time matters most. These changes will help people begin treatment sooner by improving access to medications needed for care. Faster access to medication can be critical in stabilizing patients and supporting recovery.
All medications will continue to be dispensed through licensed pharmacies and subject to strict safety, storage and oversight requirements.
“The Alberta Recovery Model is about meeting people where they are and improving access to treatment. Timely access to life-saving addiction medications reduces barriers to care – especially in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.”
Completing the health system refocusing
If passed, Bill 29 also includes final steps to complete Alberta’s health system refocusing, supporting a more coordinated and streamlined health system.
Remaining public health functions will be aligned under the Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services, helping ensure more consistent oversight and a more streamlined approach to delivering public health services. This work is about reducing fragmentation across the system and improving clarity about where services and responsibilities sit, so care can be delivered more consistently and efficiently.
Additional amendments will update legislation to reflect these changes and ensure alignment across related acts.
“Early detection of cancer saves lives, plain and simple. We support adding new screening pathways that complement our public health system, ensuring more Albertans can access the early screening needed to identify cancer sooner and improve outcomes.”
“Alberta radiologists understand that screening is critical to early disease detection, leading to better patient outcomes. We value working with government to best enable our community radiology clinics to provide timely, appropriate care to Albertans.”
“Early access to critical medications can help stabilize patients and prevent more serious complications. These proposed changes would support prescribers in responding quickly when treatment is needed, particularly for patients living with addiction and in communities where distance can affect timely access to care.”
Quick facts
- The Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026 would bring changes to the:
- Pharmacy and Drug Act
- Alberta Health Care Insurance Act
- Provincial Health Agencies Act
- Health Insurance Premiums Act
- Publicly funded preventative testing would continue to be available, and medically necessary testing will always be covered by the province for every eligible Albertan.
- Alberta will continue to be fully compliant with the Canada Health Act.
- Strong safeguards on obtaining a supply of certain Schedule 1 drugs would be implemented through regulatory college standards of practice, secure storage requirements and compliance oversight.
Related information
Related news
- Faster access to preventative care (Oct. 22, 2025)