Bill S-5 — Law to Make Health Records Shareable and Stop Tech Companies From Blocking Data
Shareable Health Records Law
This proposed law, called the "Connected Care for Canadians Act," aims to make it easier for your health information to be shared between different computer systems. It would stop tech companies that sell or license health record software from blocking access to your data. The goal is to create a connected healthcare system where doctors and patients can easily and securely access and share electronic health information. This proposed law would affect everyone who uses healthcare services in Canada. It would also affect health information technology vendors. If passed, it would mean that your doctor could more easily share your records with specialists or other healthcare providers. You could also have easier access to your own health information. This matters because it could improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare. It could reduce errors, avoid duplicate tests, and help doctors make better decisions. It also gives you more control over your own health information.
The Liberal party stopped a vote that would have made the health minister answer questions about a failed electronic prescription program. This program cost taxpayers $200 million, and people want to know what happened to the money. Blocking the vote means it will be harder to get answers about the missing funds.
This article focuses on the opposition party's attempt to question the health minister.
The article does not explain the details of Bill S-5.
Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about
Set your 3 priorities to see how this bill aligns with what you care about.
Sign up free — 30 secThis proposed law aims to make health information easier to access and share between different systems. It also stops tech companies from blocking data. However, it only applies to provinces and territories that agree to it.
Things to Watch For
- The law depends on each province/territory agreeing to participate.
- The exact rules about data blocking will be decided later in regulations.
- It's not clear how the government will check if tech companies are following the rules.
- The penalties for not following the rules will be set later.
- The law does not specify when it will come into effect.
Click any step to learn what it means
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How likely this proposed law is to be approved
Since the government proposed it and it's already at the second reading in the Senate, it has a decent chance. However, it's still early in the process, so there's room for changes or rejection.
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