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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – Health Minister George Abbott issued the following statement today regarding the False Creek Urgent Care Centre:
“On Nov. 30, 2006, Cabinet enacted Sections 10 and 11 of the Medicare Protection Amendment Act, 2003 through an Order in Council. These sections expand the audit and inspection powers of the Medical Services Commission under Section 36 of the Medicare Protection Act and introduce a new Section 45.1 giving the commission powers to seek an injunction from the Supreme Court to prevent extra billing and other violations under the act.
“Today I asked the commission to consider using these new powers to appoint inspectors to audit the False Creek Urgent Care Centre. I have asked the commission to address my concerns regarding extra billing and patient safety on an urgent basis.
“I am advised that the following actions have taken place today:
· The commission convened an extraordinary meeting this afternoon to review its new powers and authority, and agreed to proceed with this investigation.
· The commission’s audit and inspection committee has met and agreed to undertake the audit.
· The chair of the Medical Services Commission contacted False Creek Urgent Care Centre to advise that the commission will be proceeding with an investigation.
“I expect that the False Creek Urgent Care Centre will comply fully with all requests made of it by the commission.
“I want to reiterate the Province’s firm position that no facility in British Columbia will be permitted to operate outside the bounds of provincial legislation. Should the False Creek Urgent Care Centre fail to satisfy the commission and the Province with respect to the facility’s activities, the Province will take further action.”
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Manager, Media Relations 250 952-3387 |
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