Today's regulatory soup

Each piece of legislation reflects the perceived system-level and patient-level conditions and risks that existed or were of most concern at that time. The accountabilities are based on what the health care system, its funders, and its users expected (in that era) to be delivered as outcomes.

Fifty years later, it is now evident that there is no coherent alignment or consistency across varying statutes, legislation, regulations, codes and standards. There is considerable overlap and duplication across authorities, regulators, and jurisdictions -- making the system difficult to navigate for care providers, operators, and families alike.

Current legislation no longer reflects best practice and isn’t always linked to desired outcomes. Sometimes legislation or regulations are risk-based and reactive in the aftermath of incidents – particularly in the areas of safety and security – rather than evidence-based. And in some cases, policies actually inhibit the implementation of best practice and innovation, and regularly create barriers to quality, person-centered care at the point of service.

Well on our way in 2023

Alberta's continuing care residents, families, and contracted operators have been united in recognizing that legislative and regulatory changes are long overdue.

Our vision to consolidate and revamp the entire regulatory environment emerged as a foundational recommendation of the Facility-Based Continuing Care Review. By 2023, our sector was well on its way to the new legislative framework.

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Learn how CHAA is advocating for continuing care regulatory change in Alberta.