2026-04-15 from policyalternatives.ca
On April 13, the Alberta government introduced legislation to become the first province that creates a “me first” legal framework for patients to pay privately for diagnostic testing without even needing a doctor’s referral—a move designed to feed the private health care system.
And it might be eligible for reimbursement by the Alberta government.
What are these newly defined “preventative health testing services” in Alberta’s new legislation? It’s hard to know because the bill provides little clarity.
As Bill 29 (the Medical Statutes Amendment Act, 2026) states, “preventative health testing services” means goods and services or classes of goods and services that are (i) provided by a practitioner, (ii) made available through a self-referral, and (iii) specified by the Minister by order as preventative health testing services.”
Clear as mud.
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