Your Alberta Health Act – Patient Charter

Share your views on a patient charter for all Albertans

At some point we will all use the health system. There is also a good chance that we will help someone else access the health system – maybe our parents, a child or a friend.

The Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health recommended that Alberta establish a patient charter. The primary purpose of a patient charter is to build a shared understanding about the system between Albertans who use the system, health providers and government.

Patient charters, which are used in a number of countries, set out what we should reasonably expect of the health system and the people we deal with. Patient charters help us understand what our personal responsibilities are when it comes to our health or the system.

Patient charters often include the following major themes regarding what patients can expect:

• Being treated with respect and dignity;
• Having access to appropriate health care services and related supports;
• Having all patients’ circumstances taken into account in plans for their care or wellness;
• Having access to publicly funded health services based on need;
• Having an equitable allocation of resources;
• Being assured of privacy of information;
• Having timely and reasonable access to information;
• Having the right to raise concerns and receive a timely response to their concerns;
• Having the right to be fully informed (about treatment and services).

Many patient charters also include patient responsibilities such as:

• Respecting the rights of other patients and health providers;
• Ensuring they understand the information provided by health providers by asking questions, following instructions and understanding and following their care plan;
• Using services appropriately and wisely;
• Learning how to better access health services and use them appropriately;
• Making healthy choices where possible.