Dual-Practice Surgery Model Launches This Fall in Alberta
Starting Monday, eligible physicians can apply to work in both public and private systems, with first surgeries expected in the fall at chartered surgical facilities.
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Legislation for Alberta's dual-practice health model took effect Thursday, allowing some physicians to work in both public and private systems. The first surgeries are expected this fall.
Starting Monday, physicians can submit expressions of interest indicating intent to practice under the new model. Officials said this will help determine minimum public service requirements for approval.
At a Thursday press conference, Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said the province needs to tailor public service hours to individuals, regions, and specialties. "Emergency surgeries, cancer surgeries—those always have top priority," LaGrange said.
Applications open in August and will be approved on a rolling basis. Once accepted, physicians must continue providing the minimum number of hours in public surgeries to remain eligible. Those who fail to meet public-hour requirements will lose their dual-practice status.
Acute Care Alberta will monitor and collect data to ensure requirements are met. There is no maximum number of hours a physician can work in the private sector—limits are subject only to professional practice requirements set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
Alberta Medical Association President Dr. Brian Wirzba said he's encouraged by some safeguards but concerned about clarity on regulations and minimum public hours. "Our biggest concern is that the public system will be negatively impacted," he said. "We need to monitor that and keep a very close eye on the metrics of wait lists."
Under the dual-practice framework, initial procedures will take place in chartered surgical facilities. Eligible specialties include orthopedics, minimally invasive general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, and ENT. Cancer-related and life-threatening conditions remain publicly funded and exempt from dual practice.