Red Deer Regional Hospital. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Shane Clausing/EverythingGP

Return To Formal Negotiations

Alberta government provides update on physician negotiations

Jan 20, 2022 | 11:49 AM

The Alberta government has provided an update on the most recent labour negotiations between the province and the Alberta Medical Association (AMA).

The release says the Government of Alberta and the AMA are exploring a return to formal negotiations toward a provincial agreement for Alberta physicians.

Prior to returning to the negotiating table, the parties agreed to act on some high-priority health-care system issues that will support stability.

Some of those actions include:

• COVID response – The government and physicians have collaborated to address the pandemic and Omicron surge, such as determining the best ways to manage rapid testing in the community, the guidance to give patients and updated recommendations on PPE requirements.
• Physician compensation – The government has agreed to delay the Dec. 31, 2021 implementation of Alberta Health Services stipends, Z-code fee reductions and AHS overhead policy, allowing time for further discussion on these important topics within the context of a comprehensive strategic compensation framework that delivers value for dollars spent and fairness for physicians.
• Virtual care – On Jan. 1, the government implemented two high-priority changes to recognize the value of physician time inpatient care, as recommended by an Alberta Health/AMA/AHS/College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta virtual care working group and the Physician Compensation Advisory Committee. Improving access to virtual care is increasingly important to patients who need to access care but wish to limit their personal interactions during the pandemic. Balancing the payments for virtual and in-person options allows physicians to choose the best mode of care delivery without having to worry about compensation.

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NDP Health critic David Shepherd expressed satisfaction with the update but maintained a firm stance that the work isn’t over yet.

“I’m pleased to see that the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Medical Association are exploring a return to formal negotiations toward a provincial agreement for Alberta doctors.

“It has been almost two years since the UCP tore up the province’s contract with doctors and began a war on frontline healthcare providers amidst a global pandemic.

“The consequences of the UCP’s actions have been incredibly harmful to Alberta families and communities, especially in rural areas. There are bed closures, cancelled surgeries, closed emergency rooms, and closed labour and delivery rooms across the province today thanks to the UCP.

“To be clear, as long as the UCP’s Bill 21 remains in effect, Jason Kenney and his UCP Health Minister have the power to tear up any future contract with doctors on a whim. To enter these negotiations in good faith, the UCP must repeal these elements of Bill 21.”

The next phase will involve working with labor and management facilitator Rick Wilson to prepare both sides to begin interest-based negotiations as soon as possible.