Quebec proposes to adopt a Regulation respecting access to surgical services

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé recently announced the pre-publication of a draft regulation respecting access to surgical services (in French only) aimed at improving access to surgical services for Quebec users. When waiting times in the public system are too long, this draft regulation provides that specialized medical centres and private hospitals must accept patients sent by the public system and offer their services to them within the deadlines set by Santé Québec, to give Quebecers the option of having their surgeries performed in the private system.

Dentists and physicians performing surgeries will be required to use the dispatch and referral system established to manage waiting lists and priorities. Furthermore, Santé Québec will have to inform each patient awaiting surgery of the evolution of their situation, the priority given to them, and the average waiting times, by favouring the use of technological means.

The draft regulation is currently open for comments.