The Quebec government has introduced a new bill, Bill 19, as a follow-up to the controversial Bill 2. Bill 2, which caused uproar among doctors and patients for imposing stringent performance targets and sanctions, led to resignations within the government. However, after amendments and concessions were made, the government is now focusing on Bill 19 to address concerns and improve healthcare access.
Health Minister Sonia Bélanger presented Bill 19, which includes concessions agreed upon with general practitioners. The bill aims to enhance patient care and access by making significant adjustments to the previous legislation. Notably, the more restrictive aspects of Bill 2 have been removed in favor of a collaborative approach.
One key feature of Bill 19 is the voluntary enrollment of 500,000 new patients by June 2026, with a $75 million incentive for doctors if targets are met. While some express doubts about meeting this ambitious goal, others acknowledge the positive impact it could have on healthcare delivery in Quebec.
The bill also introduces capitation-based compensation for family physicians, emphasizing a fixed annual payment per patient rather than a fee-for-service model. This change is intended to promote better care, access, and interprofessional collaboration within primary care settings.
Negotiations with medical associations are ongoing, with details such as exclusions and provisions for different physician groups still being discussed. The government remains committed to refining healthcare reforms through collaboration and feedback from healthcare professionals.
