Under provincial policy, regional health authorities (RHA's) are required to provide reasonable access to the following community rehabilitation services:
- audiology
- community physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- respiratory therapy
- speech-language pathology
The Alberta government exceeds the requirements of the Canada Health Act by providing, at its discretion, some funding to the regional health authorities for the provision of these health services.
Services are provided through facilities operated by RHA's including some hospitals or privately operated clinics contracted by RHA's.
All residents with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage are eligible for services, except when their care is the responsibility of the Workers' Compensation Board.
Access for eligible residents is based on assessed need with needs of individuals prioritized and addressed within the RHA's available resources. Those with the most urgent needs are expected to be served first.
Although a physician may refer a patient for community rehabilitation services, this does not determine eligibility. Eligibility is based on an assessment provided by the professional providing the service.
Each RHA is responsible for covering the costs of providing community rehabilitation services to its residents within Alberta. Regional boundaries should not be a barrier to access when people are eligible based on assessed need.
RHA's are not responsible for the cost of community rehabilitation services provided to Albertans outside the province.
Individuals may access publicly funded services provided through their RHA or they can chose to pay for their own services. Supplementary health insurers may cover services purchased by the patient.
Client charges for professional services and/or assessment tests and tools are prohibited.
Community rehabilitation services do not include rehabilitation services in long-term care facilities or home care recipients.
Please contact your regional health authority for more information.
