This bill makes changes to two laws: the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, and the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Act, 2023. The main goal is to prevent health care providers from charging unfair fees to patients. The bill adds rules for fairness and repayment if fees are unfair. It also gives authorities the power to suspend or revoke licenses of providers who charge unfair fees. The bill takes effect once it receives Royal Assent, which means official approval by the government.
If you receive health care services in Ontario, this bill is meant to protect you from being overcharged. Health professionals and community health centers will be required to treat patients fairly, including charging fair fees. If a health provider charges an unfair fee, they could be asked to return the money to you and may face a suspension or loss of their license. Health centers will also need to make sure they are not charging unfair fees for their services. These rules are designed to make health care more transparent and fair for patients.
Data unavailable. The bill specifies new rules and penalties but does not provide details about the costs of implementing these changes or enforcement.
Supporters say this bill will protect patients by making it clear that charging unfair fees is wrong. It will give health regulators better tools to ensure providers treat patients fairly, including requiring refunds and suspending licenses if necessary. Supporters argue these measures will improve trust in health care and ensure patients are not exploited through unfair billing practices.
Opponents might argue that defining and enforcing "unfair fees" could be complicated and lead to legal challenges. They may worry the rules could make health providers more cautious or hesitant, possibly affecting access to some services. Also, some critics could say that the bill might increase regulatory burdens on health care providers, which could lead to higher costs for some services or delays in care, although these impacts are not detailed in the bill.