Alberta Regulation 290/2025, enacted under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act, establishes the framework for insured and non-insured hospital services within the province. This regulation provides detailed definitions, residency requirements, registration procedures, service entitlements, authorized charges, and payment processes for hospital services, including provisions for out-of-province care.

The regulation defines key terms such as “in-patient,” “out-patient,” “private room,” “semi-private room,” and “out-of-province hospital services,” clarifying eligibility and the scope of covered services. Residency provisions include full-time students from outside Canada who are lawfully admitted, have established residence, and intend to remain in Alberta for at least twelve months, as well as residents who are temporarily absent from Alberta, with extensions permitted under exceptional circumstances.

Registration under the Health Insurance Premiums Act is mandatory for residents and their dependants receiving insured services. Hospital services facility operators are required to provide the Minister with sufficient information to facilitate registration. Patients must present a certificate of registration upon admission.

Insured hospital services encompass medically necessary care provided to in-patients and out-patients, including accommodation in private or semi-private rooms when medically justified, transportation within Alberta, and goods and services under approved or specific programs. Non-insured services include health services covered under Part 1 of the Act, certain out-of-province services without prior approval, third-party examinations, and diagnostic or laboratory services outside approved facilities.

The regulation details authorized charges for in-patients, including newborns, patients requiring facility-based care, and charges for enhanced goods and services. Charges for non-entitled persons, both residents and non-residents of Canada, are also specified, with rates based on patient-day calculations and standard accommodation fees.

Out-of-province hospital services are reimbursed by the Government of Alberta according to rates established by the relevant health care insurance plan, subject to prior approvals, reporting, and documentation requirements. Continuing services beyond three months require ministerial notification and approval, and payments may be terminated if information is not provided or if the resident does not return to Alberta in a timely manner.

Finally, payments for diagnostic and laboratory procedures must be made under formal agreements with qualified medical personnel, ensuring adherence to professional standards. The regulation emphasizes administrative accountability, equitable access, and compliance with provincial health care standards.

Alberta (290/2026) January 20, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.