Blog

January 10, 2020: A weekly scan of new legislation and regulations important to the Ontario health sector, as well as articles of interest.

Bills

 

1. Bill 138, Plan to Build Ontario Together Act, 2019 received royal assent on December 10, 2019.

 

2. Bill 153, Long Term Cares Home Amendment (Till Death Do Us Part) Act, 2019

 

This Bill was introduced by Catherine Fife (Waterloo), NDP. It was referred to the Standing Committee on December 12, 2019.

 

The Bill amends the Residents’ Bill of Rights set out in section 3 of the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 by adding the right of residents not to be separated from their spouses upon admission but to have accommodation made available for both spouses so that they may continue to live together.

 

More Information: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-153

 

Proposed and Approved Regulations

 

1. REG 191/18 (Personal Information), Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)

 

The proposed regulatory provisions that fall under O. REG 191/18 are now in force as of January 1, 2020:

• Disclosure of Personal Information to Prescribed Entities under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Exceptions to Disclosure of Personal Information for Planning and Managing Services under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Ministry Use of Personal Information for Research Purposes under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Prescribed Entity and Non-Prescribed Entity/Person Use of Personal Information for Research Purposes under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Prescribed Reporting to the Information and Privacy Commissioner under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Prescribing a Body for Purposes of Capacity and Substitute Decision-Making Reviews under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Prescribing Requirements/Restrictions the Prescribed Body Must Comply with in Conducting Reviews Related to Determinations of Incapacity and Substitute Decision-Making under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Privacy Breach Notification Requirements to an Individual under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Privacy Breach Notification Requirements to the Minister and the Information Privacy Commissioner (IPC) under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Record Retention, Transfer and Disposal Requirements under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)
• Service Provider Use of Personal Information for Research Purposes under Part X (Personal Information) of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)

 

Ontario Newsroom

Government of Ontario Protecting the Health Care System from Fraud

Ontario Supporting St. Joseph’s Health Centre Redevelopment in Toronto

 

Articles of Interest

 

Ontario Health

Anderson reflects on tenure at Lakeridge Health

 

Cannabis

Wait for a ‘high’ before gobbling more cannabis edibles, doctors say

 

Health

Ontario sets July 1 as official end date for red-and-white health cards

‘A deeper love’: CTV News’ Marcia MacMillan shares her mother’s journey with dementia 2

Editorial Board: Ontario should end religious exemption for vaccination

Ontarians urged to get travel insurance as out-of-country OHIP coverage officially ends

How to avoid a massive holiday health care bill when OHIP out-of-country coverage ends

First confirmed case of severe vaping-related illness reported in Alberta

Dementia prevention vaccine ready for human trials, researchers say

 

First Nations

Dr. Nadine Caron named as First Nations Health Authority chair at UBC

 

Privacy

eHealth Saskatchewan hit by ransomware attack but personal health data is secure, says CEO.

Patient desperately needs his health records, but disgraced doctor won’t give them up

Are LifeLabs hack victims risking their privacy to get free credit monitoring?

3 Healthcare Cybersecurity Trends to Watch in 2020

 

A.I

A.I. Comes to the Operating Room

AI can now outperform doctors at detecting breast cancer. Here’s why it won’t replace them.

 

Professionalism

Calgary neurologist pleads guilty to dozens of assaults dating back to 1980s

Disgraced fertility doctor’s clinic broke federal rules as far back as 1999, inspection reports reveal

 

New Years

Five simple healthy eating goals for January and beyond

A survival guide to Eataly

Things to do this weekend

December 6, 2019: A weekly scan of new legislation and regulations important to the Ontario health sector, as well as articles of interest.

Bills

 

No new bills of interest. Bill 138, Plan to Build Ontario Together Act, 2019 has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

 

Proposed and Approved Regulations

 

No new and approved regulations of interest.

 

Ontario Newsroom

 

New Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New Ottawa Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New All Nations Health Partners Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New Burlington Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New Toronto East Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New North York Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

 

Articles of Interest

 

Ontario Health Teams

Provincial government announces Ottawa Health Team, first in Ontario

 

Healthcare

Ontario considering ban on flavoured vape products: health minister

How red tape prevented this Toronto man from getting a health care for a year

How one Ontario hospital persuades loved ones of nearly all suitable deceased donors to donate patients’ organs

 

November 29, 2019: A weekly scan of new legislation and regulations important to the Ontario health sector, as well as articles of interest.

 

Bills

 

No new bills of interest. Bill 138, Plan to Build Ontario Together Act, 2019 has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

 

Proposed and Approved Regulations

 

No new and approved regulations of interest.

 

Ontario Newsroom

 

New Durham Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New Southlake Community Ontario Health Team to Provide Connected Care for Patients

New Hamilton Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

Electronic Press Kit Now Available: New Mississauga Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

New Mississauga Ontario Health Team to Provide Better Connected Care for Patients

Ontario Recognizes Outstanding Mental Health Leaders

 

Articles of Interest

 

Ontario Health Teams

Hamilton among 1st cities to implement ‘health team’ under Ontario Health

Health minister announces first of 24 ‘Ontario Health Teams’

 

Healthcare

Former federal minister Jane Philpott takes on role with Indigenous group

Toronto kidney recipient celebrates 40-year anniversary

For Millennials Making Their Way, a Detour: To Caregiving

How much do doctors bill OHIP for services? Star database reveals figures for 30,000 physicians

 

Privacy and AI

The Potential And Pitfalls Of Google’s Healthcare Move

The Artificial Intelligence Industry and Global Challenges

Data Privacy Will Be The Most Important Issue In The Next Decade

Plastic surgeon filmed patients without consent, class action lawsuit alleges

Facial recognition in public spaces can be ‘so damaging’, privacy expert says

Someone stole your cell number? Acting fast is critical, this industry expert says

Ottawa mother’s quest for her late son’s passwords an unchartered legal road, says experts

 

Things to do 

Netflix Canada in Dec 2019: What’s new this month

TV is about to get more confusing here’s a guide to streaming in 2020

November 22, 2019: A weekly scan of new legislation and regulations important to the Ontario health sector, as well as articles of interest.

 

Bills

 

No new bills of interest. Bill 138, Plan to Build Ontario Together Act, 2019 is still in Second Reading.

 

Proposed and Approved Regulations

 

No new and approved regulations of interest.

 

Ontario Newsroom

Ontario launches free routine dental care for low-income seniors

 

Articles of Interest

 

Ontario Health Teams

How Ontario Health teams can involve the community to end Hallway Medicine

Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team group ready to present to the Ministry of Health

 

Healthcare

What’s at risk in the BC Supreme court hearing on health care? The future of our system

Medicare future will hinge on court ruling

Ontario reports 2 new ‘probable’ cases of vaping-related illness

 

Privacy

How to ensure cybersecurity within healthcare

In wake of troubling breach, Desjardins pushes digital ID procedures as safer way to store data

 

Things to do this Weekend

Things to do this weekend

One of a Kind show

November 15, 2019: A weekly scan of new legislation and regulations important to the Ontario health sector, as well as articles of interest.

 

Bills

 

No new bills of interest. No updates regarding Bill 138, Plan to Build Ontario Together Act, 2019.

 

Proposed and Approved Regulations

 

REG 21/12, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991

College of Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) has proposed amendments to the registration section of O. REG 21/12 in an effort to harmonize the registration requirements of audiologists and speech-language pathologists across Canada. The changes include:

• Requirements for successful completion of a National competency-based-entry-to-practice examination which is being developed (implementation anticipated by Fall 2020).
• Third party evaluation of course and practicum requirements for applicants.

 

More Information: https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=31007&language=en

Comment Due Date: Dec 30, 2019

 

Ontario Newsroom

Ontario taking next steps to integrate health care system

Keeping Seniors healthy, safe and active in Durham Region

Ontario expanding digital and virtual health care

 

Articles of Interest

 

Ontario Health

Ottawa’s restructured LHIN now stretches to Scarborough

Home-care agencies seek key role in Doug Ford’s health reforms

Ontario starts merging health agencies, fires 9 LHIN executives

MPP warns of ‘one huge Toronto bureaucracy’ as health care networks fold

 

Cannabis

Cannabis CEO says Ontario’s lack of stores is why the company is losing money

Pot producer implore Ontario to open more stores

Confessions of a legal pot dealer

 

Things to do this Weekend

25 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Toronto’s Christmas Market is open: here is what you need to know

KitKat Chocolatory Toronto

What opening day at Eataly Toronto looked like

November 8, 2019: A weekly scan of new legislation and regulations important to the Ontario health sector, as well as articles of interest.

 

Bills

 

Bill 138, Plan to Build Ontario Together Act, 2019

 

This Bill introduced by Hon. Rod Philips, Minister of Finance, was carried on First Reading on November 6, 2019. The Bill enacts and amends several acts:

• Schedule 3 –  Cannabis Control Act, 2017
  • This Schedule amends sections 20 and 23 of the Act respecting approved youth education or prevention programs under the Act.
• Schedule 4 – Cannabis License Act, 2018
  • This Schedule makes various amendments respecting the sale of cannabis in accordance with the Act. Amendments are made to permit online and telephone purchase of cannabis from cannabis retail stores.
• Schedule 5 – Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017
  • This Schedule amends the CYFSA to allow a justice of the peace to issue a warrant authorizing a peace officer to bring a child to a place of safety in circumstances involving the child leaving or being removed from the care of a child welfare authority.
• Schedule 15 –  Health Insurance Act
  • There are various changes which include rules concerning health cards; records and information; power of the General Manager to refuse pay claims for services; and new rules for hearings by the Appeal Board.
• Schedule 19 – Independent Health Facilities Act
  • Numerous changes to the Act, which include new rules for issuing of licenses and hearings by Boards and appeals from its decisions.
• Schedule 28 – Ontario Drug Benefit Act
  • Section 6 of the Act is amended to require the executive officer to deduct from the amount the executive officer pays to an operator of a pharmacy an amount determined in accordance with the regulations. The Act is also amended to allow LGIC to make regulations governing the manner in which the executive officer determines any additional amount to be subtracted.
• Schedule 30 – PHIPA
  • The following are some of the proposed changes to PHIPA:
    • Using PHI that been de-identified to identify an individual is prohibited, subject to certain exceptions.
    • The IPC is given the power to order the return of records of PHI that were improperly collected, used or disclosed.
    • Regulation making powers are established concerning the role of Ontario Health under the Act, including prescribing under what circumstances a person or entity or group of persons or entities designated under subsection 29(1) of the Connect Care Act, 2019 may collect, use and disclose PHI.
  • The Connecting Care Act, 2019 is amended to extend the protection from liability provided for actions under the Act to prescribed provisions of PHIPA and its regulations.
• Schedule 37 – Supply Chain Management Act (Government, Broader Public Sector and Health Sector Entities), 2019
  • The Schedule enacts the Act, and the following are some of the changes:
    • The Act provides that government entities, broader public sector entities and health sector entities must comply with regulations governing how they carry out supply chain management and requiring them to implement specified vendor performance standards and practices.
    • The Act permits LGIC to designate or create a supply chain management entity to provide or support supply chain management on behalf of other entities.

More Information: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-138

 

Proposed and Approved Regulations

 

Amendments to Ontario Regulation 386/99 under the Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994 (HCCSA) and Ontario Regulation 201/96 under the Ontario Drug Benefit Act to enable access to end-of-life care for out of province patients moving to Ontario.

 

The Ministry is proposing to amend Regulation 386/99 to remove the requirement to be an insured person under the Health Insurance Act in the Regulation for professional services, personal support services and homemaking services to persons who meet the following criteria:

• They were residents of another Canadian province or territory where they have public health insurance coverage.
• They move directly to Ontario from the other province or territory for the purposes of receiving end-life care in the community.
• They meet the other eligibility criteria in Regulation 386/99 for the professional services, personal support services and/or homemaking services they are seeking.

 

The Ministry is proposing to make consequential amendments to O. Reg 201/96 to ensure recipients of certain professional services under HCCSA who do not have OHIP coverage are eligible for the ODB Program like other recipients of certain professional services who do not have OHIP coverage.

 

More Information: https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=30947&language=en

 

Comment Due Date: Dec 20, 2019

 

Ontario Newsroom

Ontario Expanding End-of-Life Care in Durham

Ontario Investing in New Centre for Brain and Mental Health Care

 

Articles of Interest

 

Health Care

 UCP MLA’s bill on health workers’ conscience rights passes 1st reading, NDP fear it reopens abortion debate

Why accessing medical abortions is so difficult in Ontario

These Ontario organizations are trying to make abortion more accessible.

Sudbury’s first-ever health care summit

Province holding up doctors’ Blind River transfer

Ontario government to publish doctors’ billings as part of proposed changes to OHIP oversight

 

Things to do this Weekend

30 things to do in Toronto this weekend

 

Remembrance Day (Monday, November 11)

Royal Canadian Legion partners with Fortnite to teach military history for Remembrance Day

How to wear your poppy like a military veteran for Remembrance Day