| HISTORY/BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: | Dates of founding and/or dissolution:
The Alberta Health Facilities Review Committee was founded under the name Alberta Hospital Visitors Committee under the authority of The Hospital Visitors Committee Act, S.A. 1972 c. 49. The first Board was appointed November 22, 1973. In 1978, the name was changed by means of the Hospital Visitors Committee Amendment Act, 1978, S.A. 1978 c. 62.
Functional responsibility:
The Alberta Health Facilities Review Committee is responsible for periodic inspection of health care institutions and nursing homes to review the manner in which they are operated. Inspections are directed to the care, treatment, rehabilitation and welfare of patients, planning and coordination of programs for care and treatment of patients and prevention of disease. The Committee's principal responsibility is for investigating complaints regarding the standard of care and treatment received by individuals in hospitals and nursing homes.
Until 1980, the Committee was also responsible for the inspection of social care institutions under the direct administration of the Ministry. In 1980, these facilities became the responsibility of the Social Care Facilities Review Committee.
Since 1997, the Committee has been responsible for investigating complaints reported under the Protection of Persons in Care Act which fell under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Health or the Minister of Health and Wellness.
Predecessor and successor bodies:
In regards to the inspection of hospitals and nursing homes, the predecessor to the Committee was the Board of Visitors appointed under the Public Health Act.
Administrative relationships:
The Committee has reported to the Minister of Health and Social Development (1973-75), the Minister of Social Services and Community Health (1975), the Minister of Hospitals and Medical Care (1975-88), the Minister of Health (1988-99), and the Minister of Health and Wellness (1999-present).
Administrative structure:
The Committee is made up of up to twelve members, including members of the Legislative Assembly who are not members of the Executive Council. Until 1983, members were appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Since 1983, members of the Committee have been appointed by the Minister.
Names of the corporate bodies:
Alberta Hospital Visitors Committee 1973-78
Alberta Health Facilities Review Committee 1978-present
Names of chief officers:
Chairmen:
Robert A. Hall 1973-1979
Catherine Chichak, M.L.A. 1979-1982
Dennis L. Anderson, M.L.A. 1982-1986
Alan W. Hyland, M.L.A. 1986-1989
John Drobot, M.L.A. 1989-1993
Denis A. Herard, M.L.A. 1993-1997
Ron Hierath, M.L.A. 1997-1999
Mary O'Neill, M.L.A. 1999-2001
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