(Quebec) Christian Dubé throws ballast in the face of specialist doctors. Rather than including it in his future law, the Minister of Health negotiated an agreement with the union to subject specialists to new obligations, like family doctors.
The Federation of Specialist Physicians of Quebec (FMSQ) and Minister Christian Dubé engaged in a standoff over the issue. The FMSQ refused to allow “special medical activities” (AMP), that is to say obligations such as taking care of more patients or filling unfavorable shifts, to be included in Bill 15, which aims to make the health network.
The FMSQ pleaded for a negotiated agreement with Quebec while the Legault government maintained the hard line. In August, the union president, Dr Vincent Oliva, affirmed that it would be “impossible” to define new obligations for 59 specialties in a legislative text.
The minister then replied that “the population responsibility of doctors [fait] part of the key elements of the culture change provided for in the bill.
However, negotiations continued throughout the fall on the sidelines of the study of the imposing legislative text which will lead to the creation of Santé Québec. The agreement in principle between the FMSQ and the government was announced Thursday.
“The big winners from this agreement are Quebecers. Since the submission of the Health Plan, we have determined the changes necessary to improve access to the health network and a greater balance of medical responsibility towards the population has always been at the heart of our vision. the minister rejoiced in a joint press release with the FMSQ.
“The conclusion of this agreement in principle demonstrates the inescapable nature of negotiation. We have thus found ways to collaborate on AMPs so that they take into account the particular needs of our patients and the reality of each specialty,” indicated for his part D.r Olive.
This agreement must lay the foundations for a new way of working between medical specialists and the [ministère] in the interest of patients.
The Dr Vincent Oliva, president of the FMSQ
Like family doctors, specialist doctors will therefore be subject to AMP, which may mean taking care of more patients and filling certain consultation hours. The guidelines for these new obligations will be defined over the next year, depending on the specialty. This will particularly target specialists who work outside establishments to meet needs.
List of predetermined MPAs
- Participation in hospital activities
- Support for an installation in the region
- A consultation on referral according to the priorities established by the health network
- Support for an installation outside the region
- All other priority activities determined in collaboration between the MSSS and the FMSQ
Minister Christian Dubé appeared annoyed in May, after being the target of group attacks from specialist doctors, general practitioners and the College of Physicians in parliamentary committee. He then warned that he was not going to “change for the sake of changing” his bill.
Another complaint from specialist doctors is the reduction in the weight of advice from doctors, dentists and pharmacists (CMDP) in the organization of care and the “disappearance” of medical co-management. Amendments to this effect were tabled by Minister Dubé.
Parliamentarians will resume the detailed study of Bill 15 next week, when the deputies return to the National Assembly. Minister Dubé hopes to have his reform adopted by the end of the parliamentary session in December. “The most reasonable timetable would be to vote in November or December, followed by six months of transition, taking the summer to [s’adapter] and be operational in 2024,” he said in September.