Quebec Proposes New Regulations to Free Up 310,000 Medical Appointments

Quebec’s Health Minister, Christian Dubé, announced proposed regulations aimed at reducing physician paperwork, which could potentially free up 310,000 medical appointments annually. The government, led by François Legault, intends to eliminate the requirement for a medical prescription for reimbursed services covered by insurers, including physiotherapy. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline administrative processes within the healthcare system.

The draft regulations are set to be published in the Official Gazette on November 11, 2025, initiating a 45-day public consultation period. The changes follow the enactment of Bill 68 in the fall of 2024, which focused on easing the administrative burden on healthcare providers. Dubé emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing patient needs, stating, “We are doing everything we can to lighten the workload of physicians so they can devote more time to patients.”

Eliminating the need for consultations related to the reimbursement of insured technical aids is also on the agenda, with exceptions made only in special cases. The proposed changes follow a series of measures introduced last year that aimed to simplify documentation for private insurers, including a standardized form to reduce the paperwork physicians must complete. Furthermore, the requirement for doctor’s notes for sick leave of up to three days has been abolished.

According to the government, the implementation of these regulations could ultimately lead to the freeing up of a total of 590,000 appointments each year, significantly improving access to healthcare services for residents of Quebec. The latest initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing administrative tasks, allowing them to better focus on patient care.

The Canadian Press, which is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association, reported on these developments, highlighting the government’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system. This focus on reducing bureaucratic hurdles is expected to have a positive impact on both healthcare providers and patients alike, fostering a more responsive and patient-centered healthcare environment.