Are LHINs a move to expand privatization in health care?
This initiative is about providing better health care to the people of Ontario by doing some things differently than in the past – like involving communities in important health care decision. LHINs will play an important role to ensure that patients have better access to coordinated and integrated services through proper planning, and by building on the strength of local health organizations to improve communication among providers. In fact, the legislation prohibits private payments for services that result from an integration decision, unless the payment is permitted by law. Moreover, the Commitment to the future of Medicare Act preserves the public health care system in Ontario.