NEW COMMITTEE TO REVIEW REQUESTS FOR OUT-OF-PROVINCE AND OUT-OF-COUNTRY MEDICAL COVERAGE

Health Minister Don McMorris today announced the creation of the Health Services Review Committee that is designed to review government decisions made on out-of-province and out-of-country medical coverage.

"For those patients who request it, access will be available to a timely review of government decisions from an arms-length panel to ensure that policy is followed," McMorris said. "Creating this review committee demonstrates our government's commitment to putting patients first, by helping to ensure decisions on health care coverage are consistent, fair and transparent."

Operational by early 2011, the committee is a direct response to an external review of government policy concerning coverage of out-of-province and out-of country medical expenses.

The committee will include a chair with legal or administrative expertise, a physician or other health professional, and a public representative. Requests for review will be effective when the committee is appointed and will not be retroactive.

Once the committee is up and running, information on how to access it will be posted on the Ministry of Health's website.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083