Committee Hearings on Bill 123 Transparency in Public Matters Act 2004
For the Attention of Hospital CEOs, Board Chairs, OHA Board of Directors and CACN Members
From Anthony Dale, Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs (A)
Today, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills held public hearings on Bill 123, The Transparency in Public Matters Act, 2004.
Bill 123, introduced by MPP Caroline Di Cocco in October 2004, requires certain designated public bodies, including hospital boards and committees, to hold open meetings. Previously introduced as Bill 95, the Ethics and Transparency in Public Matters Act in 2001, Bill 123 would: mandate making meeting minutes public; establish rules respecting public notice of meetings, and; give the Information and Privacy Commissioner the authority to receive complaints, undertake reviews and make orders – including orders that would void decisions made at meetings not deemed “open”.
The OHA made both oral and written submissions to the Committee based on the advice provided by Members through a Member Survey. The results of this Survey will be posted on the OHA website under "Legislative Issues and Analysis" on October 6, 2005.
The OHA's submission focused on the need to ensure that meetings of hospital committees, specifically the Medical Advisory Committee, that serve in an advisory capacity to the Board be excluded from the Bill in order to protect discussions surrounding patient safety, physician performance and quality of care.
Attached is a copy of the OHA's written submission. For further information, please contact Melissa Radolli at 416-205-1322 or email mradolli@oha.com.