News for Alberta’s health workforce

The Enoch maskêkosihk Recovery Community has been completed with $35 million in provincial capital funding. The 75-bed facility provides no-cost, culturally grounded addiction treatment for up to 300 people annually in the Edmonton region. Treatment services are scheduled to begin this December, offering support for up to one year.

Starting November 1, 2026, Alberta optometrists with specialized training may perform minor surgical and laser procedures, including stye treatments and skin lesion removal. These regulatory changes aim to reduce wait times and travel for patients. Ophthalmologists will focus on complex cases as optometrists take on these additional community-based services under new oversight standards.

Alberta has increased acute care capacity to over 9,000 spaces, including 221 permanent beds and 194 temporary beds. The province also launched a Provincial Integrated Operations Centre to coordinate resources and a Triage Liaison Physician program to place doctors in emergency waiting areas. Additionally, hospitals are implementing automated daily staffing reports to improve resource management.

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta reminds physicians that they retain full professional responsibility for clinical care and patient records regardless of clinic ownership. While non-physician owners may manage business operations, they cannot assume medical oversight. Clinics without a medical director must designate a CPSA-regulated member to act as the primary contact for the regulator.

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta has released a new policy regarding the use of chaperones during clinical encounters. The policy outlines expectations for trained chaperones to observe sensitive examinations to enhance patient trust and professional standards. Medical offices must ensure chaperones are appropriately trained and integrated into clinic workflows.

Health Quality Alberta has published a guide and toolkit designed to foster civility within health care environments. These materials aim to support safer care outcomes by improving professional interactions.