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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 24

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 24, 2022
Health Care is Not for Sale Act (Addressing Unfair Fees Charged to Patients), 2022
  • This is a bill called Bill 24 2022 that aims to amend the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Independent Health Facilities Act in order to address unfair fees charged to patients for health care services. The bill includes changes to various sections of the Acts, such as adding the requirement for sensitivity, fairness, and respect in the Regulated Health Professions Act, and introducing measures to prevent and deal with the charging of unfair fees to patients. The bill also gives the Director the authority to take action if an independent health facility is found to be charging unfair fees. The bill will come into force once it receives Royal Assent and is titled the Health Care is Not for Sale Act (Addressing Unfair Fees Charged to Patients), 2022.
  • H1
  • H2
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  • RA
  • Yea (21)
  • Nay (20)
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 24 2022, the Health Care is Not for Sale Act (Addressing Unfair Fees Charged to Patients), could be as follows: The purpose of this act is to address the issue of unfair fees charged to patients for health care services. By amending the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Independent Health Facilities Act, the government aims to ensure that patients are treated with sensitivity, fairness, and respect. One of the key amendments is the inclusion of a definition for "unfair fee" in the regulations. This provides clarity and guidance to health care professionals on what constitutes an unfair fee, allowing for better enforcement and accountability. By prohibiting the charging of unfair fees, patients will be protected from excessive or unjust charges, promoting fairness in the health care system. The act also introduces measures to prevent and address the charging of unfair fees. The patient relations program will include specific measures to deal with this issue, ensuring that health care professionals are aware of the consequences of charging unfair fees and providing a mechanism for patients to seek reimbursement. Furthermore, the act empowers the Registrar to suspend a health care professional's certificate of registration for a period of three months if they are found guilty of charging unfair fees. This serves as a deterrent and sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated. In addition to the amendments to the Regulated Health Professions Act, the act also amends the Independent Health Facilities Act. This ensures that independent health facilities are operated in accordance with the law, honesty, and integrity, including the prohibition of charging unfair fees to patients. By holding these facilities accountable, patients can have confidence that they will not be subjected to unfair financial burdens when seeking health care services. Overall, the Health Care is Not for Sale Act (Addressing Unfair Fees Charged to Patients) aims to protect patients from unfair fees and promote fairness in the health care system. By providing clear definitions, introducing measures to prevent and address unfair fees, and holding health care professionals and facilities accountable, this act seeks to ensure that patients are treated with respect and receive affordable health care services.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 24 2022: While the intention behind Bill 24 2022 may seem noble, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences of government intervention in healthcare pricing. This bill, known as the Health Care is Not for Sale Act (Addressing Unfair Fees Charged to Patients), 2022, seeks to amend the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Independent Health Facilities Act to address unfair fees charged to patients for health care services. However, this legislation undermines the principles of free market competition and individual liberty. Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that healthcare is a complex industry with various factors influencing pricing. Introducing government regulations to determine what constitutes an "unfair fee" can lead to unintended consequences. By imposing arbitrary limits on fees, the government may discourage healthcare providers from offering certain services or investing in new technologies. This can result in reduced access to quality care and hinder medical advancements. Furthermore, government intervention in healthcare pricing can stifle innovation and competition. When providers are unable to set their own prices based on market demand and supply, there is less incentive for them to improve efficiency and quality. In a free market system, competition drives providers to offer better services at competitive prices, benefiting patients and driving overall improvements in the healthcare industry. Additionally, this bill raises concerns about the infringement on individual rights and the erosion of personal responsibility. By dictating what fees healthcare providers can charge, the government is essentially interfering with the voluntary transactions between patients and providers. Individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices regarding their healthcare and be responsible for the costs associated with it. Government intervention in pricing undermines personal accountability and can lead to a sense of entitlement, where individuals expect healthcare services without considering the associated costs. Lastly, it is important to consider the potential administrative burden and costs that this legislation may impose on healthcare providers. Compliance with new regulations can be time-consuming and costly, diverting resources away from patient care. The additional bureaucracy and red tape can hinder the efficiency of healthcare delivery and increase the overall cost of healthcare services. In conclusion, while the intention of Bill 24 2022 may be to address unfair fees charged to patients, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences of government intervention in healthcare pricing. By undermining free market principles, stifling competition, and infringing on individual rights, this legislation may ultimately hinder access to quality care, discourage innovation, and increase the overall cost of healthcare services.
Second Reading
  • Nov. 24, 2022, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read

Assembly Motion No. 4325

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Nov. 24, 2022, 10:15 a.m.
  • Bill 24
  • Latest: Second Reading Vote
  • Second Reading of Bill 24, An Act to amend the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Independent Health Facilities Act to address unfair fees charged to patients for health care services.
First Reading
  • Oct. 26, 2022, midnight
  • Passed