Dear Members,
RRNP retroactive payments
The AMA continues to make progress on implementing the current master agreement, ensuring that commitments made to physicians are being fulfilled. Alberta Health has released Bulletin MED 286, confirming that retroactive payments under the Rural Remote Northern Program (RRNP) for the period April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, will be deposited today (October 31, 2025).
As outlined in the 2022 AMA Agreement (Schedule 7), up to $12 million annually is allocated to support residents’ access to medical services in communities facing critical physician supply issues, primarily through improvements in the RRNP. Payments will be distributed to the Business Arrangement (BA) payee associated with the original service and physicians may receive multiple deposits if they worked under more than one BA.
For full details, please refer to the Alberta Health Bulletin MED 286.
Vote reminder: Tentative WCB Agreement
Just a reminder that electronic voting is open for the tentative WCB–AMA Physician Services Compensation Agreement (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029). This proposed agreement includes updates to fees, reporting, recoveries and communication and will be retroactive to January 1, 2025, if ratified.
The AMA Board feels the agreement reflects strong collaboration and recognizes the unique nature of WCB-related work. It also demonstrates what can be accomplished when two negotiating teams work together to identify common interests at the table.
Members are encouraged to review the ratification package on the AMA website (member login required) and cast their vote. Voting will close on Thursday, November 6 at 4 p.m.
Regards,
Brian Wirzba, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association