This list includes the most frequently encountered health agencies, complaints offices, health acts, and partner organizations that may be helpful to patients navigating the healthcare system. There are some financial and legal links that may also be relevant.
Other Resources: F.A.Q.'s
Open Arms Curated Resources:
Health Agencies
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
The CPSA governs all physicians and surgeons in Alberta. They are responsible for managing patient complaints and concerns involving a specific physician.
Visit the CPSA website to learn more about submitting a complaint or call 1-800-661-4689.
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
CRNA is a regulatory College under the Health Professions Act for Alberta’s 37,000+ registered nurses (including nurse practitioners). Their website can be used to:
- Look up a nurse’s permit and if there are any disciplinary matters attached to the permit
- Submit a complaint about a nurse or nurse practitioner
- Ask a registered nurse about their standards of practice or ethical decision making
Office of Alberta Health Advocates
This office can support patients by referring Albertans to the correct complaint process for their concerns and provide information about health services/ programs.
Details be found here. They can be contacted at (780)-422-1812 or info@albertahealthadvocates.ca.
Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
This office assists individuals with disabilities in finding supports and resources, as well as promotes awareness of disability programs and services.
Details can be found on the website here.
Primary Care Network (PCN) Alberta
PCNs across Alberta are working to provide improved access to health professionals including doctors, mental health therapists, dieticians, and social workers. They can support patients by:
- Connecting you with family doctors in your area accepting new patients: https://albertafindadoctor.ca/find-a-doc/map
- Providing workshops in key areas such as mental health management, diabetes, healthy eating, smoking cessation, and more: https://albertafindadoctor.ca/workshops/home
Netcare/MyHealth Records
Netcare is Alberta’s centralized system for electronic health records. Patients can request a paper copy of their Netcare records or create an online account to access their MyHealth records through this website.
Rocket Doctor
Rocket Doctor provides free virtual appointments with a doctor (valid Alberta Health Card needed). They can assess symptoms, prescribe medications, order imaging or lab requisitions, and more.
To learn more and book an appointment, click here.
Specialist Link (Calgary):
Specialist Link offers advice over the phone for patients in the Calgary area, as well as provides online resources for a diversity of specialities.
ConnectMD (Edmonton)
ConnectMD offers specialist and family medicine advice over the phone for patients in the Edmonton area, as well as provides online resources for a diversity of specialties.
Addressing Patient Concerns
AHS Patient Relations
The Patient Relations department is where patients may express complaints about services they have received through AHS.
They accept submissions through an online feedback form or by calling 1-855-550-2555, and a representative will be in touch within 3 business days to investigate and resolve patient concerns.
Continuing Care Licensing Office:
Under the Government of Alberta, the Continuing Care Licensing Office accepts complaints and concerns about continuing care accommodations or services.
Details about the information that is required to make a complaint and the steps to followed can be found here on the Continuing Care website. If the concern involves abuse, Protection for Persons in Care should be contacted.
Protection of Persons in Care (PPC)
The PPC Act outlines the rights of patients who are receiving home care from various service providers. Reports of abuse can be submitted through email at health.ppc@gov.ab.ca or toll-free at 1-888-357-9339. Under this act, patients have the right to:
- Safety, protection, and to live in an environment free of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or financial)
- Report abuse and have it appropriately investigated by Alberta Health
- Dignity and respect, including respect for privacy and autonomy
- Access support or advocacy if they have been mistreated, without fear of retaliation.
Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT)
This office provides support with personal directives, wills, alternate personal decision makers, and other services related to guardianship, trusteeship, or co-decision making.
Complaints about decision-makers can also be submitted through OPGT. Details for all services and key forms can be found here.
Alberta Ombudsman
The Ombudsman can investigate AHS Patient Relations, CPSA, CRNA, and other regulated health organizations to help advance your concern or complaint in the right direction. They provide services free of charge, and work to find a solution that is best for all parties. Details can be found on their website.
Alberta Health Act
The Alberta Health Act defines how Alberta’s health system should operate. Under this charter, patients have the right to:
- Access safe, high-quality health services in a timely manner
- Be informed about their health, available services, and treatment options
- Have their personal health information protected
- Be treated with compassion, respect, and without discrimination
- Make decisions independently about their care, including giving or refusing consent
Health Information Act (HIA)
The HIA outlines how health information is collected, used, and disclosed. Its purpose is to protect patient privacy while allowing appropriate information-sharing for patient care, health system amazement, and public health. Under this act, patients have the right to:
- Access a copy of their health information
- Request a correction or amendment of personal health information
- Know why health information is being collected, used and disclosed
Alberta Mental Health Act
This act defines how patients with mental illness are assessed, admitted, and treated. Complaints can be submitted to the Mental Health Patient Advocate by emailing mentalhealth.advocate@gov.ab.ca or calling 780-422-0695.Under this act, patients have the right to:
- Be treated humanely with respect and privacy, with access to basic needs, appropriate care, and contact with family, friends, and advocates (unless limited for safety reasons).
- Be informed about their legal status and rights, and be able to contact a lawyer
- Apply to review panels to challenge treatment orders
- Request a second medical opinion about their treatment
Health Organizations
Health Coalition of Alberta (HCA)
The HCA is an alliance of health charities, patient groups, non-profit organizations and individuals. Their mission is to engage with governments, health policy decision makers, and other stakeholders to advocate on key healthcare issues and raise awareness about healthcare policy/services changes that impact Albertans.
Health Quality Alberta (HQA)
HQA aims to promote and improve patient safety, person-centred care, and health services quality on a province-wide basis. They bring together patients, families, and partners to inspire change and improve healthcare in Alberta. Their Patient & Family Advisory Committee aims to identify issues from a patient and family perspective to promote a better healthcare system for all.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Caregivers Alberta
Caregivers Alberta empowers caregivers and promotes their wellbeing by providing resources, mental health support, and education for all caregivers in our province. They offer coaching services, workshops, and education programs related to caregiving.
Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD)
VAD advocates for the rights and needs of Albertans with disabilities. Their website contains a resource directory, disability-related services, and information about the various benefits available in Alberta.
Mental Health Copilots (MHC)
MHC helps individuals in Alberta find and book appointments with healthcare providers for free. Their mission is to connect individual with mental health services that work for them and find resources that fit their needs and preferences.
Legal Contacts and Information
Open Arms does not assist with legal cases, but these law firms and organizations may be able to help.
Legal Aid Alberta
This organization provides resources and guidance in various areas including mental health, family law, and civil law. They have an Alberta Lawyer Directory to help patients find representation.
Calgary Legal Guidance
CLG offers free legal guidance to no-to-low-income individuals in Calgary. They also provide various resources and education to individuals who do not otherwise have access to services.
Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC)
ECLC provides free legal guidance to individuals in Edmonton and surrounding areas where income poses a barrier to accessing legal services.
Central Alberta Community Legal Clinics
These clinics provide free legal guidance to individuals in Central Alberta, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, and Fort McMurray.
Weir Bowen LLP (Edmonton)
Weir Bowen specializes in legal services related to medical malpractice, personal injury, and disability claims in Edmonton. They can be contacted at (780) 424-2323 or through the submission form on their website.
Cuming & Gillespie LLP (Calgary)
Cuming & Gillespie specializes in legal services related to personal injury and medical malpractice in Calgary. They can be contacted at (403) 571-0555 or through the submission form on their website.
McLeod Law LLP (Calgary)
McLeod Law offers legal services related to medical malpractice, personal injury, fatalities, and disability claims. They can be contacted at (403) 271-9411 or through the submission form on their website.
Financial Support
Open Arms does not assist with financial cases, but these organizations may be able to support financial needs.
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
The AISH website provides information about eligibility, the application process, payment information, and details about how to appeal a decision about AISH.
Red Cross Health Equipment Loans
The Canadian Red Cross offers short-term equipment rentals such as wheelchairs, walkers, or bath seats with a referral from a healthcare provider. To determine local availability, email ABHELPProgram@redcross.ca.
myAlberta Supports
This program can assist Albertans in finding income supports such as AISH, Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), and Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB). Click here to complete a self-assessment for the programs and services you may be eligible for.
Alberta Adult Health Benefit
This benefit is available to low-income Albertans to cover dental and eye care, some prescription drugs including diabetes supplies, and ambulance services. Details about eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
AADL supports Albertans with long-term disabilities, chronic illness, or terminal illness by providing funding for basic medical equipment. Information about eligibility and the application process can be found here.
Canada Pension Plan Disability (CCP–D)
CCP-D is a monthly payment for eligible Canadians age 18-64 who are unable to work because of a disability. Information about eligibility and application forms can be found here.
Worker’s Resource Centre
This organization highlights workers’ rights in Alberta and can support workers who have experienced an illness, injury, and/or disability while at work. They can support with Workers Compensation Board (WCB) claims, AISH, and Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D).
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— Mary Smith, patient and mom of two.