The provincial legislature is back in session and we’re watching closely for anything that might affect physicians’ practices. So far, there are several bills proposed related to health care. So far, in addition to Sick Notes, there are several bills proposed related to health care. They will be debated in the coming weeks, with public input sought as part of the standard legislative process

What’s on the docket? Our analysis is that most bills won’t significantly impact your practice, but some might. We’re summarizing the legislation today and inviting your feedback. 

Patient Rights: The Declaration of Principles for Patient Health Care Act would codify guiding principles and expectations for the governance of health care, and for the doctors and other health care providers who directly care for them. 

• All health facilities and regulated providers, including doctors working in independent clinics, would be required to post signage about what patients can expect, including respect and dignity, timely access, safety, participation in their care, and the opportunity to raise concerns without fear of retribution. 
• Patients will be expected to treat other patients and providers involved in their care with treat them with dignity, and to the best of their abilities participate in their care. 
• Government is to be guided by four major principles, including ensuring patients have access to health care based on need, not the ability to pay. 
• Read the full bill.

Involuntary Psychiatric Assessment Applications: The Mental Health Amendment Act would allow physician assistants, clinical assistants, and nurse practitioners to apply for a patient’s involuntary psychiatric assessment, in addition to physicians. 

• Other health professionals may also do so if authorized by regulation. 
• The bill would not affect the role of psychiatrists as the only health care professionals qualified to conduct involuntary psychiatric assessments. 
• Doctors Manitoba is gathering more information and examining what other provinces are doing. 
• Read the full bill.

Breast Cancer Screening Access: This legislation would require CancerCare Manitoba to establish a plan that boosts breast cancer screening access, especially among underserved populations including Black and Indigenous communities. 

• This plan must set out annual targets and be updated every five years. 
• An annual report will evaluate which targets have been reached and what needs more work. 
• The bill follows advocacy from public groups, and legislation originally proposed by the opposition, to drop the screening age from age 50 to age 40. The government has already lowered the age to 45 with plans to drop to 40 by the end of 2026. 
• Doctors Manitoba supports efforts to improve the early detection of breast (and other) cancers, but any obligations placed on CancerCare must include sufficient additional funding. 
• Read the full bill.

Nurse to Patient Ratios and Ending Mandatory Overtime: New legislation would limit mandatory overtime for nurses, and allow the Minister of Health to set nurse-to-patient ratios, making Manitoba the first province to regulate ratios through legislation. 

• Committees will be established to make recommendations on both. 
• Ratios may look different in various areas of the province depending on local demands. 
• Read the ratio and mandatory overtime bills. 

Eliminating Workplace Sick Notes: The legislation would prohibit employers from requesting sick notes from workers unless they are absent for more than a week (seven consecutive days) or more than 10 days over the course of a year. 

• We were thrilled to see this legislation tabled so early on in session after our more than a year and a half of advocacy alongside HR and business community leaders. 
• This is one type of administrative burden we hear about from doctors, and we are focused on others too, like diagnostic imaging ordering, referrals, insurance forms, and more. 
• Read the full bill.

Have your say: As we continue to engage with government leaders on your behalf, we invite you to share your opinions and questions on these bills by emailing us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​com.