Canada’s Ontario Government has reinstated the More Convenient Care Act as part of its ongoing strategy to enhance the province’s healthcare system.
The legislation aims to provide more Ontarians with publicly funded care, thereby fostering healthier communities and reinforcing the health care workforce.
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Ontario deputy premier and health minister Sylvia Jones said: “With the More Convenient Care Act, our government is continuing to build on our progress as we connect people to the right care, in the right place, no matter where they live.
“By taking bold and innovative action with this legislation, we are saving patients time and shortening wait lists, while protecting our healthcare system for the future.”
The proposed legislative and regulatory changes are designed to support more individuals to access care near to home.
The changes include the establishment of a transparency framework for staffing agencies within the hospital, community health sectors and long-term care.
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By GlobalDataPart of the Health Care Staffing Agency Reporting Act 2025, this framework will require agencies to disclose their administrative mark-up rates, improving governance.
Furthermore, the act seeks to modernise the provincial electronic health record (EHR) system.
This modernisation will enable eligible Ontarians to directly access their personal health information online via Health811, ensuring secure data management.
Additionally, the legislation will empower nurse practitioners by enabling them to complete and sign mandatory blood testing forms.
This measure is expected to broaden access to care for various groups, encompassing victims of crimes, correctional officers, and medical or nursing students.
The act also addresses the need for consistent and quality mental health and addiction services and reviews ambulance vehicle and equipment standards to improve patient safety and paramedic response times.
Moreover, it bolsters the authority of the chief medical officer of health, ensuring better consistency and alignment in public health directives across the province.
This legislative initiative is structured around the Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care strategy, which is designed to connect Ontarians to the care needed.
Earlier this month, the Ontario government commenced the expansion of St Francis Memorial Hospital’s emergency department and the renovation of its ambulatory care clinic.
