The new Physician Master Agreement (PMA) has brought something original to Canada. Funding that enables facility-based doctors to be more effectively engaged to contribute their voice in Health Authority decisions. The goal of this new funding is to seek collaboration on mutually agreed upon priorities that improve patient care and the health care system. The Specialist Services Committee has the responsibility of overseeing this initiative and distributing funding.
Every Health Authority CEO signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support this move to greater engagement and collaboration with doctors. The MOU outlines the responsibilities of the Health Authorities and facility-based physicians to improve consultation around planning, operational decisions and matters that affect the delivery of physician services.
Funds will be available through the Medical Staff Associations. If local doctors and the Health Authority agree to an alternate qualifying doctor-based structure, funds can then be redirected. SSC will be involved in determining the funding criteria as it develops. However, in order to receive the funds, medical staff must demonstrate they have:
- a governance and a decision-making structure that will represent the doctors in the facility,
- the ability to receive and appropriately account and report on expenditures, and
- made an effort to identify and work with members of the Health Authority. The Health Authority should be contacted at the start of the process.
SSC has released funds for two pilot projects at University Hospital of Northern BC and Lions Gate Hospital. These sites will help pave the way for future facilities. It is anticipated it will take about six months to learn from the current projects and develop a provincial approach. SSC will provide further details on the this initiative in the near future. In the meantime, please see Frequently Asked Question, which are being updated as needed. For further information, please contact: Cindy Myles at: cmyles@doctorsofbc.ca
