Province proposes changes to bed-based addiction treatment

Alberta providing $180M for addiction treatment centres

The province is proposing amendments to its Mental Health Services Protection Act to be more “flexible and responsive” to the needs of Albertans.

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The act provides authority to establish licensing programs for mental health and addictions services. Right now, services for bed-based addiction treatment are the same for all providers, regardless of whether the patient is low or high risk.

“The goal of these amendments is to help Albertans access the right type of support,” said Mental Health and Addictions Minister Dan Williams on Tuesday.

“Albertans would also be able to match their service to their needs, and would know what to expect when accessing each type of service.”

Bill 37 amendments

The first proposed amendment would create three types of bed-based addiction treatment services: withdrawal management, intensive treatment and non-intensive recovery.

The second amendment would allow the mental health and addictions minister to exempt certain people or service providers on a “unique case-by-case” basis from the act.

The exemptions would only be allowed in very specific circumstances such as medical reasons, scientific reasons or a “clear public benefit.”

The third amendment would refine regulatory requirements by moving bed-based treatment services from the act to the regulation and updating certain language for clarity.

There are 130 facilities owned and operated by around 65 services providers currently licensed under the act.

If the amendment is passed, it would come into effect in fall 2025.