Whereas the enabling legislation of regional hospital districts in British Columbia, the Hospital District Act, prescribes the purpose of hospital districts which hospital district boards struggle to interpret; And whereas in 2003 the Ministry of Health recommended that the Act be updated and in 2014 the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health stated that a review of the Act was in progress: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to review and update the Hospital District Act expeditiously and invite input from the regional hospital districts in British Columbia in order to clarify the mandate and role of hospital districts.
Ministry of Health Regional hospital districts RHDs continue to be key partners in building and maintaining local healthcare infrastructure. The Hospital District Act the Act is a legislative framework for RHDs and their roles and responsibilities. The Ministry recognizes that the Act needs to be updated and aligned with current practices. Ifwhen the Ministry receives direction that there is an opportunity to amend this Act, then in consultation with RHDs, health authorities and other stakeholders will be part of the amendment process.