Regulatory

Continuing care regulations

While legislation confers broad powers or imposes high-level restrictions, regulations are intended to govern the details around who is accountable to carry out specific actions and what those actions should entail. Alberta initiated some consultation with the continuing sector and Albertans in 2022-23 to understand priorities and expectations. Now the work of drafting regulations is under way in preparation for regulations coming into force some time in 2024. The severely outdated Nursing Homes Operation Regulation is very specific in prescribing the permissible professional staff -- reflecting a care team composition that no longer exists today. The regulation pre-dates new provider groups such as nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses. There is no mention of health care aides, who provide up to 80% of the care across continuing care.

What areas of practice do regulations cover?

Here’s a rundown of the kinds of topics often governed by regulations, and a glimpse into what’s articulated in existing regulations.

Who monitors and enforces adherence to regulations?

There are multiple layers of accountability built into regulations to ensure contracted operators know what’s expected.

CHAA operators – all hands on deck

The longest-serving operators in Alberta have seen it all (since the 1860s) and continue to play an essential role in development of new legislation and regulations.

Getting care

Alberta’s continuing care system is complex, and it takes some time to understand how to access care services. Preparing ahead of time can ensure individuals and families are ready to navigate the system if and when care is ever needed.

Our members

Our member organizations are exclusively not-for-profit providers of publicly funded continuing care and acute care services info. Collectively, we use the power of research, leadership, and integrity to champion change.

What does continuing care cost, and who pays for what?

In facility-based continuing care, the responsibility for various costs of continuing care depends on which type of service or facility the individual is receiving care from.