The Regulation respecting access to surgical services, approved by the Gouvernement du Québec through O.C. 1561-2025, establishes a framework to ensure equitable and efficient access to surgical services within the province. The Regulation is made under section 72 of the Act respecting the governance of the health and social services system, which empowers Santé Québec to define both the private providers subject to an access mechanism and the health and social services professionals required to participate in any system established under section 71 of the Act. The Regulation also addresses the obligations of these professionals, including the use of prescribed systems, and mandates that persons awaiting surgical services be kept informed about the progress of their requests, including the priority assigned and average wait times.

The Regulation applies specifically to private providers and healthcare professionals delivering surgical services. Private providers include specialized medical centres and private institutions operating hospital centres, all of which are required to comply with the access mechanism and provide services to users referred by the person responsible for managing access to specialized or super-specialized services. The Regulation also mandates that all dentists and physicians offering surgical services must utilize any system for the distribution and referral of users established pursuant to the Act. These provisions are intended to improve the referral and access process, ensuring that patients receive timely care while improving the coordination of services across private and public sectors.

A feature of the Regulation is the emphasis on transparency and communication with users. When wait times exist for surgical services, Santé Québec is responsible for keeping users informed of the progress of their request, including the priority assigned and the average wait times associated with it. The Regulation encourages the use of technological solutions, with user consent, to provide real-time updates on the status of requests, reflecting a commitment to patient-centered communication and the efficient use of digital tools. This measure aims to reduce uncertainty for patients and improve trust in the health system while promoting accountability among providers.

Overall, the Regulation respecting access to surgical services represents a strategic effort by Québec’s government to improve the coordination of surgical care, standardize provider obligations, and improve patient experience by fostering transparency and timely access. It reflects broader policy objectives of optimizing healthcare delivery, integrating private and public service providers into structured access mechanisms, and leveraging technology to improve service monitoring and communication with patients, ultimately supporting a more efficient, accountable, and patient-focused health system in Québec.

Quebec (1561/2025) January 6, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.