Today, April 1, 2019, marks the end of the payment discounts
that have applied to fees of Ontario physicians since 2012.[1] The end of the
practice marks one of the most significant aspects of the
arbitration process engaged in by the Ontario Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care (the "Ministry") and the Ontario
Medical Association ("OMA") to determine terms of a new
Physician Services Agreement between the Ministry and the OMA (the
"Agreement").
The arbitration board, consensually selected by the Ministry and
OMA, was struck to settle outstanding matters respecting the
Agreement. The parties engaged in 11 days of hearings between May
2018 and January 2019. On February 19, 2019, the arbitration
board's decision was released. The resulting Agreement will be
effective retroactively from April 1, 2017 to March 31,
2021.
