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There are several pieces of proposed legislation that could impact physicians, and we’re looking for your feedback! You can send feedback to practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Wait Times and Debbie’s Law

Earlier this week, a family and policy group proposed a law that would require the health system to inform patients if lifesaving treatment can’t be provided within medically recommended timelines. The law follows the death of Debbie Fewster last year while waiting for cardiac surgery. The family doesn’t fault the doctors involved: ​“Our mother’s doctors did everything right. They expedited her care. And the system failed.” The proposed law follows legislation proposed by the opposition PC party a few months ago that would require the government to report twice a year on wait times to see a specialist and to receive treatment from a specialist. 

Psychological Safety at Work

The government proposed changes to The Workplace Health and Safety Act to protect and promote the psychological safety of workers. This includes ​“active measures are undertaken to prevent harm, whether negligent, reckless or intentional, to the psychological well-being of workers.” The government says this will be first-in-Canada legislation. Regulations will detail how employers can prevent psychological injuries at work. Read more in this Free Press article.

Public Health Act Amendment

The government introduced legislation that would prevent a person with a communicable disease from being detained in a jail for public health reasons. Instead, they would be detained in a hospital or other facility, for failing to comply with a communicable disease order if the person presents a threat to public health. The change follows news about the detention of a woman in jail for tuberculosis treatment. 

Vital Statistics Amendment

The government introduced amendments that will allow adults to change their sex designation without a supporting letter from a health care professional. Minors will still require a supporting letter from a health care professional.