According to the Canada Health Act, what is a consequence for doctors who extra bill or charge user fees in hospitals?

Under the Canada Health Act, the primary consequence for doctors who engage in extra billing or charge user fees in hospitals is the imposition of dollar-for-dollar penalties. This means that any amounts billed in excess of what is included in the publicly funded healthcare system will often result in financial penalties equal to the amounts collected from patients.

The intention behind this measure is to uphold the principles of the Canada Health Act, which aims to provide equitable access to necessary medical services without direct charges at the point of care. By enforcing these penalties, the government seeks to discourage extra billing practices and ensure that the healthcare system remains accessible and fair for all Canadians.

This approach aligns with the goal of protecting the integrity of the public health system, making it clear that physicians must adhere to the established billing practices under the Canada Health Act. Engaging in prohibited billing practices can lead to serious financial repercussions, emphasizing the importance of compliance for healthcare professionals.