Alberta Regulation 22/2024 is a legislative update under the Continuing Care Act by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. This regulation introduces amendments to revise existing legislation, aligning terminology and definitions related to continuing care homes and improving the regulatory processes across multiple associated regulations.

One of the key amendments is the consistent use of “continuing care home,” which replaces outdated references to “nursing homes” and “auxiliary hospitals.” For example, amendments to the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Regulation redefine residential care terms, emphasizing the new framework introduced by the Continuing Care Act. Various sections across multiple regulations have been updated to include clear definitions of “continuing care home” and “type A continuing care home,” ensuring that care providers and recipients understand the scope of services and facilities available under the new regulations.

The regulation also modifies the descriptions of various healthcare services, such as home care and residential care, within the Employment Standards Regulation, explicitly defining professional health services and personal care services to clarify what is included in continuing care. Significant revisions have been made in regulations related to funding for continuing care, outlining how charges for home and community care services are calculated in the Crown’s Right of Recovery Regulation and the Hospitalization Benefits Regulation. These revisions emphasize that the costs incurred for transportation and facility-based care are the responsibility of the providing facility rather than the patient.

Alberta Regulation 22/2024 impacts several other statutes, including the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped General Regulation, the Seniors Benefit Act General Regulation, and the Personal Directives Regulation. Each of these regulations has been amended to incorporate definitions from the Continuing Care Act or to clarify the relationship between continuing care homes and other health services. The regulation explicitly outlines the roles and responsibilities of continuing care home operators, particularly concerning the care they provide and their fit within Alberta’s larger healthcare system, including the requirement for facilities to provide adequate and appropriate services to residents.

To enhance accessibility and understanding for both service providers and the general public, the regulation simplifies the language used in previous legislation. Terms like “supportive living accommodation” are now consistently defined and utilized throughout various acts and regulations. The amendments also address the financial aspects of residential care, stipulating how charges should be calculated based on the type of accommodation and services provided, ensuring standardized accommodation charges across facilities.

By updating terminology, clarifying definitions, and ensuring consistency across multiple legislative frameworks, the regulation aims to improve the quality and accessibility of continuing care services.

Alberta (22/2024) March 15, 2024