Updates

Prior to the restructuring in 2019 which includes the transfer of responsibility from Local Health Integration Networks to a single provincial agency, Ontario underwent a restructuring of home and community care. In 2016, the Patients First Act (PFA) dissolved Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) and transferred their responsibility of coordinating home and community care to larger local regions (Local Health Integration Networks). The Act had several aims, such as improvements to health care access and accountability, lower administrative costs, and expanded communications and technological infrastructure. The reforms were heavily influenced by an advisory report – the 2015 Price-Baker report – and involved a lengthy consultation process. Ontario’s ageing population and the rising costs of primary care and hospital stays have led to increased demand for less costly home and community care.