A bill was gazzeted Friday, 9 September, 2016, for The Health Services Authority Law (2016) Revision, which will go before the Legislative Assembly next month.

The revision increases membership of the Health Services Authority Board of Directors from seven to 11 directors.

These include the new appointments of Chief Officer of the Ministry of Health and the Chief Officer of the Ministry of Finance, both of which are ex-officio positions, as well the HSA Chief Executive Officer and the HSA Medical Director.

Seven other directors will still be appointed by Cabinet after demonstrating substantial knowledge and experience in specified areas, which will now include healthcare.

The appointment of chief officers is being proposed to improve and formalise communication between the HSA and the Health and Finance Ministries. This is in keeping with the governance structure for other Statutory Authorities and Government Companies under the Ministry of Health and Culture.

The amendment to add “experience in healthcare” is to increase the breadth of relevant technical expertise and capacity of the board appointees.

It is important that we facilitate the interaction between the Health Services Authority and the Ministries of Health and Finance to keep abreast of ongoing work,” said Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin.

Councillor Roy McTaggart said it is important that Cabinet be involved in the overall process.

“This change in the membership on the Health Services Authority Board will improve the manner in which this board functions and should help to avoid mistakes of the past,” he said.