Print
The Alberta government is looking to introduce COVID-19 liability protection for healthcare workers through Bill 70: the COVID-19 Related Measures Act. Many other jurisdictions in Canada have introduced a similar COVID-19 liability protection bill.
If passed, the legislation will provide Alberta’s healthcare system liability protection in the event of transmission or exposure of COVID-19 in health-care settings. This will apply to:
- Alberta Health Services
- Regulated health professionals
- Health service facilities, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, lodges, licensed supportive living, pharmacies and residential addiction treatment facilities
- Any owner, employee, contractor and others in these groups
- Anyone else identified through future regulation, as needed
The proposed legislation does not prohibit civil action against those who have been negligent; but does provide protection to those who have delivered health services while following Standards of Practice and appropriate protocols. The COVID-19 Related Measures Act, if passed, would be retroactive to March 1, 2020.
Note: The proposed legislation does not change the need for all regulated members to carry professional liability insurance.