BC brings into force new Medicare Protection Act section on extra billing or user charges

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

British Columbia has proclaimed in force a provision of the Medicare Protection Amendment Act, 2003 that adds sections 18.1(1) and (2) to the Medicare Protection Act. These provisions had been enacted by the legislature years ago but were not yet operative. The practical effect is that the rules or obligations set out in those subsections now have legal force in BC. Health-care practitioners, facility operators, and others operating under the Medicare Protection Act should review what sections 18.1(1) and (2) require and ensure their practices comply. Legal counsel or the Ministry of Health should be consulted for guidance on the specific obligations those subsections impose.

Who this affects: health-care practitioners · medical clinic and facility operators · private health service providers · health plan administrators