Regulation - LGIC
Home and Community Care Virtual Visits
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 386/99
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994
Summary of Decision:
The regulation amendment was amended to clarify that a visit and hour of service referred to in the Regulation may include care delivered through electronic means. The clarification is intended to support the expansion of virtual care in the delivery of home and community care services, while not replacing needed hands-on care. The regulation was filed with the Registrar of Regulations on November 13, 2019 and will come into effect on January 1, 2020.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The government does not anticipate new required costs to businesses or patients and their families as a result of this regulatory amendment. The amendment would not create a regulatory requirement for fees, upfront or ongoing operating costs or administrative costs.
Further Information:
elaws
Proposal Number:
20-HLTC003
Posting Date:
Summary of Proposal:
The Government of Ontario is taking the next steps in its plan for a 21st-century approach to health care by offering more virtual care options for patients with Digital First for Health Strategy. In this regulation, the government clarifies that home and community care services may be delivered in-person or virtually using electronic means, as appropriate to the preferences and needs of the patient.
The government has amended O. Reg 386/99 to clarify that a visit and hour of service referred to in the Regulation may include care delivered through electronic means. The clarification is intended to support the expansion of virtual care in the delivery of home and community care services, while not replacing needed hands-on care.
Patients and families have asked for virtual tools to support their participation in home and community care.
The government anticipates that the virtual care amendment would be a first step in supporting the growth of virtual care in home and community care by improving communication with patients and families and improving integration with other health care system providers. Generally, in home care, virtual care would complement or supplement and not replace hands-on care.
The regulatory amendment would position the home and community care sector to provide new, more integrated models of care.
The government has amended O. Reg 386/99 to clarify that a visit and hour of service referred to in the Regulation may include care delivered through electronic means. The clarification is intended to support the expansion of virtual care in the delivery of home and community care services, while not replacing needed hands-on care.
Patients and families have asked for virtual tools to support their participation in home and community care.
The government anticipates that the virtual care amendment would be a first step in supporting the growth of virtual care in home and community care by improving communication with patients and families and improving integration with other health care system providers. Generally, in home care, virtual care would complement or supplement and not replace hands-on care.
The regulatory amendment would position the home and community care sector to provide new, more integrated models of care.
Contact Address:
Ministry of Health
Home and Community Care Branch
1075 Bay Street, 10th Floor, Suite 1001
Toronto, ON M5S 2B1
Home and Community Care Branch
1075 Bay Street, 10th Floor, Suite 1001
Toronto, ON M5S 2B1
Effective Date:
January 1, 2020
Decision:
Approved